Vinha Formal 2023

From Vinha Formal in Óis do Bairro, this white comes from the historic heart of Bairrada's great white-wine terroirs. This plot, acquired by the Pato family, is planted with Bical on clay-limestone soils on a small east-facing slope. The vineyard, part of the Bairrada wine region, expresses a profile here that is at once fresh, mineral and deeply rooted in its place of origin.

The grapes are harvested by hand and then gently pressed. The must, obtained by light extraction, is cold-settled before fermentation at controlled temperature in new French oak barrels. The wine continues its ageing for nine months in French oak barriques from Allier.

This wine reveals notes of ripe pear, fresh apple, grapefruit, lime, white peach, white flowers, toasted almond, wet stone and sea salt. Subtle hints of vanilla complete this precise, refined expression. The palate is broad yet taut, carried by lively acidity and a finely structured texture. The long, saline finish elegantly extends the mineral freshness of the terroir.

Portugal's rich history is closely bound up with its wines, especially its most famous one, Port. From the ancient cities of Lisbon and Porto to small medieval towns and Roman ruins, the past is still alive in modern Portugal today. A good holiday in the heart of this country, where Port was born, is a unique way to discover Old World culture, the climate, the beautiful countryside and, of course, the delicious wines. Although the history of wine in Portugal goes back to the Romans, it was not until the early 19th century that the wine we know today as Port came into being. Portuguese table wine had been in great demand since the mid-17th century, mainly from the British. To make the rustic Portuguese wines more stable and more pleasant to drink, small amounts of grape spirit were added to the casks before shipping. Eventually, British firms began investing in the region and perfected the process of adding spirit during fermentation rather than after, which preserved the distinctive fruity flavours of the red wine that were unique to Portugal's Douro Valley. In recent years, a small revolution has taken place in the Douro in the development of modern-style dry reds and whites, alongside the very traditional production of Port. Table wines also continue to play an important role. Increased investment, improved viticultural techniques and the modernisation of the industry are producing interesting results. What is unique to Portugal is the very large number (more than 500) of indigenous grape varieties (though some are unpronounceable). Even most wine experts are unfamiliar with the grapes that make Port, Madeira or any other Portuguese wine. Like its neighbour Spain, Portugal has been undergoing a quiet revolution for some twenty years. Its reluctance to follow trends and plant international grape varieties is now paying off, and the new breed of wines full of "terroir effect" and fruit is more than capable of competing on the world stage. The unique flavours of Portugal's indigenous grape varieties have become its trump card. Good news for anyone looking for a change from wines made from the ubiquitous international varieties. The terroir is so diverse. From north to south, east to west, from mountain to maritime 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.