The “poor man’s vintage port,” this must be decanted to yield a clear deep garnet wine. Rich aromas of plums and wood, liquorice, chocolate and autumn forest. The palate is still fresh and fruity, tasting of strawberry jam with warm alcohol and an earthy background. Drinking very well now, but will improve for another year or two, then continue to be enjoyable for several more years.
Bucelas, northeast of Lisbon, is one of the most famous dry whites regions of Portugal. It was here that Arinto was first cultivated by the Romans 2000 years ago, and where the grape still shines today, with the coastal limestone and marl soils ideally suited to this local citrus and herbal-driven white. Quinta da Murta's biodynamic vineyards are located around 250 m in the chalky hills. After a spell of skin contact and gentle pressing, this light-bodied white was tank-fermented on full lees for up to 6 months, resulting in crisp, saline-brisk lemon, pine nuts and hay woven amidst finely creamy lees. Subtly textural, humming with acidity, with ample saline notes on the lingering finish (a beauty 12.5%). Tastes of the sea; pairs with oysters, gooseneck barnacles or any fresh shellfish. Drinking beautifully now, and with capacity to age. Fantastic value.
Reveals influence of bottle age, showing developed plum and cherry fruit, savoury, dry herbal notes, a pinch of cinnamon and a subtle touch of oak on the nose. Dark fruit flavours are encased in sooty dry tannins with still-brisk acidity, finishing firm and very dry. Give it another 3 to 5 years in the cellar.
Straw, Asian pear, white peach and a zap of limoncello light up this easy Douro white blend of Viosinho, Gouveio and Arinto. Lively and light in the mouth, with a thin pear-skin cushion (2 months on the lees) to support, this is lively and ready for an ice bucket and plate of ceviche.
Roasted almonds, nougat, figs, orange peel and light fruitcake carry this spirited, single Quinta tawny port. Fairly streamlined and accessible, with a soft mouthfeel balancing out rustic edges. A noticeable wee burn of alcohol on the shorter finish would be best mitigated by pouring with fruitcake or heady crème caramel.
Clear deep tangerine tinged with pink. Simple orange and strawberry aromas on the nose, but this really shines on the palate, with fresh super-ripe strawberries set off with an appealing lemony acidity. Perfect with roast pork, or try it with charcuterie, rustic bread and light cheeses. Drink up.
Clear medium-deep garnet. Forward nose of raspberries and blackberries with some stemmy aromas from the Castelão grapes. Stewed red berry fruit is rich, but a bit upstaged by high tannins and high acidity. At its best now.