Λευκό ήσυχο ξηρό
The stunning field blend vineyards are located in the tiny isolated village of Santa Ovaia (where the winery is located) and harbour classic Portuguese "values" such as Fernão Pires, Bical, Malvasia-Fina and Encruzado among other varieties. The 500m altitude and the 45-65 year old vines on granitic soils give the wine both freshness and depth. The...
Loureiro is the most important variety for the Vinho Verde region and in Paiva's hands it is celebrated. Portugal's first biodynamic winery doesn't stop its approach just there but takes a minimalist approach to the winery where it doesn't cloud its wines at all. He protects them by adding ground chestnut blossoms from his estate to the must, an idea that...
How can you find the perfect harmony in such a light wine? And yet this is the hallmark of Quinta da Palmirinha wines. Palmirinha Azal is a benchmark for the region, elegance of aromas, freshness, lightness but not lightness of style, and uniqueness in character. A wine for which it is difficult to put into words its aromatic and flavour dimension. It...
If anyone can care for and grow healthy grapes in a climate so heavily influenced by the Atlantic, it is none other than Fernardo Paiva. The pioneer of biodynamic farming in Portugal is a true phenomenon in the way he manages not only the vineyard but also his wines in the winery. Since 2007 he hasn't put in sulphites which he has replaced with his...
Tight flesh, wonderfully athletic but without overdoing it. Next to the classic Chablis rigour, a silky, dense sensation is added, probably as a result of the wine's stay with the lees for several months. It is ripe but not with an intensely creamy and boringly buttery texture. Juicy citrus balances the mineral side of the wine and blends harmoniously...
Stylish and extremely complex on the nose, notes of ripe lemon and citrus jam, freshness of mint and pompous mineral character along with tobacco. On the palate there is the classic - a la Chablis - rigour but with dense texture and depth of fruit, in a yin-yang type of interconnection that leads to perfect balance. The tensions on the palate testify to...
