Filipa Pato Flos Castanea Branco 2022

"Flos Castanea” (chestnut flower in Latin) was inspired by our good friend João Goucho, grandson of the pioneer of biodynamics in Portugal, Fernando Paiva da Quinta da Palmirinha.

Grape Varieties: 100% Bical. Vineyard around 40 years old in Óis do Bairro, middle slope of Lower Jurassic limestone with east solar orientation and very intense Atlantic influence (15 km from the Ocean).

Tasting Notes: Intense bright straw yellow color with greenish edge and good viscosity. Very mineral nose with some smoke due to the limestone soil. It has a distinct touch of flowers (chamomile, thyme flower), pears (typical Bical) and a slightly velvety character (hazelnuts, almonds, pine). After some time in the glass, it reveals even more thyme and honey. It will develop further with some time in the bottle. The mouthfeel is creamy, relatively smooth and presents an intriguing minerality, spicy flavor and good length. This is definitely a big flavor teaser!

Gastronomy: Organic, hand-smoked fish such as salmon, sole, mackerel. Raw shellfish and seafood with a hint of lemon. Dishes with wild mushrooms with a pinch of olive oil and a little “fleur de sel”. Oven-roasted poultry with lemon and “ras el hanout”. Simply grilled white meat like rabbit. Strong cheeses such as Serpa, Queijo de Évora, Époisses, Chaource. Serve chilled at 12-14ºC for full aromatic expression and in thin glasses.

Vinification: Fermentation after total stemming of the grapes. Chestnut flower was added as the only preservative. Rest for 2 weeks in an open press, until the end of fermentation. Press solids in a traditional basket press. Aging partly in casks (500l oak barrels) and partly in amphorae for one year until the wine is naturally stable.