António Madeira Ainda Palhete Tinto 2022

2022 was an extremely dry year, without rain, resulting from climate change effects. Ainda means ‘yet’ or ‘still’. 40 different grapes, old vines, purchased grapes, 20-25% white grapes. As the whites ripen sooner than the white it brings some richness and masks the tannins, so it is drinkable sooner than the reds. In the past, people wanted it sooner which is why palhete was such a popular style. This cuvée aim at maintaining alive this portuguese traditional style. We are very proud to help to show this portuguese identity to the world.

Grape Varieties: field blend of 40 grape varieties (20% white grapes and 80% red grapes).

Soil: Granite

Vineyard: mix of old vineyards around 50 to 100 years old.

Vinification: Vinified the same way as the reds, inspired by Henri Jayer. 100% destemmed and pre-ferment cold maceration at 15 C. Remains macerating for four or five days, starts to ferment, then cut cooling system. 15 days of skin contact (red and hite grapes) until the end of alcoholic fermentation. Then 9 months ageing in stainless steel until bottling. No fining, no filtering (as in all our wines), to not lose its beautiful mouth.

Ageing: 9 months in stainless steel.

Tasting Notes: Wonderful ripe, sweet berry fruit aromatics with some floral cherry notes. Pure, vivid and quite intense with lovely cherry and berry fruit. This is quite full with lots of lovely fruit. There’s still a bit of gas because this has been in stainless steel. Lovely ripe fruit here.

Serving Suggestions: Lamb, duck, codfish…