Antonio Madeira A Liberdade 2023

A Liberdade comes from the Serra da Estrela sub-region, within the Dão appellation in central Portugal. The vines, around thirty years old, are planted at the foot of the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal, between 500 and 600 metres above sea level, on granite soils. This mountainous terrain brings cool nights and wide temperature swings, which preserve the grapes' acidity and produce taut, deep and crystalline whites.

The grapes are harvested by hand, then fermented with native yeasts before undergoing malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged for around twelve months in stainless-steel tanks and used barrels, with no added sulphites, so as to respect the natural energy of this high-altitude white. It is then bottled unfined and unfiltered, to preserve the full expression of the site and the complexity of this blend of indigenous grape varieties.

This wine reveals notes of lemon, citron, pear, green apple, wild flowers, fennel, flint and wet stone. The nose combines the freshness of citrus with floral and mineral nuances. The palate, concentrated and crystalline, pairs real depth with a bright acidity, before a long, saline finish of great purity.

Portugal's rich history is inextricably linked to its wines, especially its most famous, Port. From the ancient cities of Lisbon and Porto to small medieval towns and Roman ruins, the past is still very much alive in modern Portugal. A wonderful holiday in the heart of this country, where Port wines originated, is a unique way to experience Old World culture, the climate, the beautiful countryside, and of course, the delicious wines. Although the history of wine in Portugal dates back to the Romans, it wasn't until the early 19th century that the wine we know today as Port came into being. Portuguese table wine had already been in high demand since the mid-17th century, primarily by the British. To make rustic Portuguese wines more stable and palatable, small amounts of brandy were added to the wine barrels before shipping. Eventually, British companies began investing in the region and perfected the process of adding brandy during fermentation, rather than after, which helped preserve the distinctive fruity flavors of the red wine that were unique to Portugal's Douro Valley. In recent years, a small revolution has taken place in the Douro region in terms of developing modern-style dry red and white wines, alongside the very traditional production of Port wines. Table wines also continue to play an important role. Increased investment, improved winemaking techniques, and the modernization of the industry are yielding interesting results. What is unique to Portugal is the very large number (over 500) of indigenous grape varieties (though some are unpronounceable). Even most wine experts are unfamiliar with the grapes that produce Port, Madeira, or any other Portuguese wine. Like its neighbor Spain, Portugal has been experiencing a quiet revolution for the past two decades. The reluctance to follow trends and plant international grape varieties is now bearing fruit, and the new breed of wines, brimming with terroir and fruit, is more than capable of competing on the world stage. The unique flavors that characterize Portugal's indigenous grape varieties have become its strength. This is good news for those seeking a change from the ubiquitous international grape-based wines. The terroir is so diverse. From north to south, east to west, from mountainous to coastal vineyards, hot and dry or cool and green. In every style, from vinho verde to port, from crisp, dry whites to elegant reds, in so many different ways, Portuguese wines are unique.