Quinta Da Fonte Souto Branco

Description

Quinta da Fonte Souto is located on the slopes of the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park, near Portalegre. The estate benefits from an altitude of 490 to 550 m and cooler, more humid conditions than the hot Alentejo plains. Transitional soils of slate and granite—predominantly slate—provide a perfect balance between water retention and good drainage. These terroir characteristics give rise to wines of striking freshness and balance, combined with the structure and complexity of mature vines and low yields. **Vinification** The grapes are hand‑harvested into small boxes and received at the estate’s cellar. After manual sorting, destemming and gentle crushing, the grapes are transferred to a pneumatic press where they are pressed at low pressure. Fermentation starts in stainless‑steel tanks, but shortly after the onset of alcoholic fermentation part of the must is moved into 500‑liter oak barrels—this larger capacity helps minimise the impact of wood on the aromatic component. The goal is greater incorporation of fine lees to produce wines with greater aromatic complexity and mouthfeel. The must remains in contact with the fermentation lees through frequent bâtonnage, promoting extraction of released compounds that give volume and an oily texture that balances well with the natural acidity of the Serra de São Mamede grapes. **Staging** Seventy percent of the batch fermented in 500‑liter barrels in contact with fine lees. The final batch was aged for seven months in new French and Central European oak (46%); 54% in second‑year wood. **Awards** 93/100 – James Suckling – Top 100 Portuguese Wines 2023 (2021 vintage) **Allergen information** Contains sulfites. SKU: 105228