Tapada do Chaves Branco 2023

History: The history of Tapada do Chaves dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when the Chaves family planted the first vineyards on the slopes of the Serra de São Mamede in their small tapada, beginning a relationship of passion and dedication to the land. Located in the parish of Frangoneiro, on the outskirts of Portalegre, Tapada do Chaves has been in existence for over a century and assumed a prominent role in the creation of the demarcated region in Alentejo with its wines of protected origin. In Tapada do Chaves there are two of the oldest vineyard plots in Alentejo, in production, with records in the years 1901 for the red vine and in 1903 for the white vine. With 60 hectares of land and 32 hectares of wine-growing heritage, the tapada is located on a granite massif and at a generous altitude, in an area strongly influenced by the orography and agroforestry cover, in a microclimate that is decisive for the quality and typicality of the wines produced there. It is a unique place due to its heritage and potential.

Grape Varieties: Arinto, Antão Vaz e Fernão Pires.

Soil Type: Granite

Vineyard: Old vine (1903)

Tasting Notes: Citrus green color. Classic aromatic profile without wood, intense, warm and complex. White fruit appears with floral nuances and some citrus, orange peel. Also very soft fermentative notes, brioche. Quite voluminous and unctuous when tasting, very direct fruit, with firm acidity and delicate minerality. Finishes very long, with fruit, volume and elegance, great character.

Vinification: Hand-picked grapes sourced from 3 plots of Vinha do Castanheiro, located at approximately 400 m altitude. Hand sorting and full bunch press, without de-stemming. Clarification of the must by gravity, using the traditional method at low temperature. Fermentations took place in stainless steel tanks, at controlled temperatures and using neutral yeasts, thus managing to preserve the typicality and expression of the terroir.

Ageing: In tank sur lies for 9 months with batonnage, then in the bottle for 12 months.

Serving temperature: 14ºC

Winemaker: Pedro Baptista e Duarte Lopes.