It’s Wine Of The Month Time
For April’s Wines Of The Month we head to Portugal. Vita Cabecas Branco from Cabecas do Reguengo is a low intervention and low sulphite wine. Where possible, only natural practices and products are used in its production.
Winemaker Joao Afonso has had an interesting career as a former Ballet Dancer. He follows the mantra that ‘a wine is a natural product, we cannot pour anything into the wine that isn’t necessary’.
Vira Cabecas is produced in Serra de Sao. Mameda in Northern Alentejo. Cabecas is situated in the hills further inland and at a higher altitude, which creates a cooler environment for the grape to ripen slowly. This area is significantly different to other wine producing areas of Alentejo – which are mostly based on the hot plains of the south. The soils in the hills are less fertile which produces lower yields but more concentrated fruit. With poor soil, the vines have to work harder to produce grapes, but what is produced is of high quality as the vines focuses all of its energy into fewer berries.
The wine is a field blend, which means it is produced using a variety of grapes that are grown in the same field. All in all, 10 different varieties make up Vira Cabecas Branco. The result is an unctuous rich white with real depth of flavour. Tropical fruits of mango and apricot are clearly evident with fresh minerality and orange citrus on the finish. To add another level of flavour, the wine is aged in old oak barrels for 12 months.
It would pair well with poultry, fish, root vegetables, or dishes with a cream sauce. This is one of the most complex and well-structured low sulphite/intervention wines I have ever tried. Sometimes wines made like this can be a little one-dimensional and all about the fruit. Not this one.
For me, these guys at Cabecas do Reguendo should be be seen as a trailblazers by showcasing what incredible wine can be created using such practices. In my opinion, it certainly sets the standard for others to follow.
Vira Cabecas Branco – WAS £22.00 NOW £18.00.
Grab yours now!
Cheers 🥂 Mark Grape and Grain
Always innovating. Never boring.
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