From the Monção e Melgaço sub-region of northern Portugal, the natural home of the alvarinho grape, and made by one of its finest producers, who uses a little skin contact (hence the name) to give structure to this invigorating linear dinner-table white.
Majority Chenin Blanc, plus Chardonnay, Viognier and a tiny bit of Colombard. The vineyards are mostly bush vines growing in granite and slate soils, and the grapes were sourced from a number of traditional farmers. The grapes were picked by hand, chilled...
Spiced and minty nose with blackberry, blackcurrant, blue flower, licorice and cedar notes. Full-bodied with lush, succulent fruit and velvety tannins. Ripe and concentrated, with a flavorful, dark-fruited finish. Rich and mellow.
Bright and lifted aromas of blueberries, blackcurrants, violets and raspberry coulis. The palate is medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, a textural mouthfeel and a finish of licorice, blackberries and bitter chocolate. Succulent and focused. Drink or hold.