A beautiful expression of the Douro, sourced from two of our family’s high-lying plots. Ever since we began our mission to produce great still wines in the Douro, we have been learning how white varieties perform in this
unique and challenging terroir. Pequeno Dilema is proof of this region’s potential in producing elegant and fresh white wines.
The Wine: Produced from two Symington family vineyards: Tapadinha (at 580m in the Torto River Valley) and Chões (at 520m in the Pinhão River Valley). The terroir of these two river valleys, particularly with regard to altitude, is key. Altitude allows more moderate temperatures and a balanced maturation.
Grape Varieties: 45% Viosinho, 30% Arinto, 15% Gouveio, 5% Alvarinho, 5% Verdelho. The Tapadinha (Rio Torto Valley) and Chões (Rio Pinhão Valley) vineyards.
Tasting Notes: Flinty, smoky character with some apple combining with hints of banana and charming, understated vanilla validating refined wood integration. The creamy texture on the palate, infused with peach and white plum, is counterbalanced by
interesting toasty notes which underwrite a refined, elegant structure.
Vinification: After gentle destemming, the grapes (still whole) are relayed to the press. To ensure the most favourable fermentation conditions, the must is fined at very low pressure and then clarified.
Fermentation begins in vats and then passes to a variety of barrels, new and used.
Ageing and Bottling: Ageing on the lees rounds out the wine profile, yielding a structured, voluminous wine with a creamy texture. The wine is
bottled up until the summer following the harvest. Prolonged bottle ageing benefits the wine by integrating the wood and allows it to achieve its optimum texture,
aroma and mouthfeel, as well as favouring its keeping qualities.
Storage and Serving: Ready for immediate enjoyment, although this wine will also improve in the bottle. To be opened between 2022 and 2025,
ideally at a temperature ranging from 10 to 12°C. Pairs well with rich fish dishes.
Winemakers: Charles Symington and Pedro Correia, assisted by the Symington DOC Douro
winemaking team.
