Menin Douro Estates Branco

Description

Menin Douro Estates Vintage Year: The vintage was defined by a warm, rainy winter followed by an exceptionally hot, dry spring. Summer was mild thanks to rainfall recorded in June and September. High temperatures and low precipitation throughout most of the vegetative cycle led to a low incidence of fungal diseases in the vines. The rains and more moderate temperatures at the end of summer promoted grape maturation. Harvest began on 3 August and proceeded in stages, slowing in September due to falling temperatures and rainfall. Grape Origin: This wine comes from a blend of Viosinho and Gouveio, grown on north‑facing parcels, and Rabigato and Arinto, planted on south‑ and west‑facing slopes. The vineyards sit between 450 and 500 m above sea level on predominantly schist soils, which provide freshness, concentration, and complexity. Vinification: 60 % Viosinho, 20 % Gouveio, 15 % Rabigato and 5 % Arinto. After hand‑harvest, the grapes are transported in 18 kg crates to preserve cluster integrity. At the cellar, an initial selection is made on a picking mat, followed by destemming, individual bunch selection, and crushing. The must is gravity‑fed to a pneumatic press. After clarification, alcoholic fermentation takes place in oak barrels at about 16 °C for roughly 20 days, preserving the full varietal expression of each grape. Aging: The wine ages for 6 months in French oak barrels, with periodic bâtonnage of the fine lees, adding complexity, volume, and elegance. Technical Specifications: Total Acidity: 6.0 g L⁻¹ pH: 3.26 Enology: João Rosa Alves and Tiago Alves de Sousa. DOC Douro.