Tiara Branco 2020

The Tiara is a light white wine whose elegance, firm grip and vibrant energy bear witness to its heritage: high-altitude sites planted with vines older than 60 years. The vineyards are situated at 600 metres above sea level, and Códega do Larinho is the predominant grape variety. As it is fermented with natural yeasts, the wine retains its fresh and elegant character.

Grape Varieties: Códega do Larinho, Rabigato, Donzelinho, Cercial and others. Old Vineyards over 60 years old, from the Ansiães area (Cima Corgo).

Soil: Granite

Tasting Notes: The Tiara is an elegant, delicate white wine that showcases the purity of its grape varieties and the acidity of the terroir from which it originates. The long fermentation period at low temperatures in more than 30-year-old foudre barrels of 1500L – 3000L makes all the difference! A bouquet of discreet aromas appears on the nose, with the typical floral character of the Códega do Larinho grape variety on a foundation of citrus notes joined by a touch of honey. The palate boasts volume and structure, ending on a finish which is almost piquant, beautifully expressive and prolonged by the wine’s outstanding acidity. This Tiara is a versatile wine lending itself well to the beginning as well as the end of meals. It can be enjoyed young, but it certainly promises to develop in the bottle for many years to come.

Vinification: After careful sorting in the vineyards, the grapes were transported to the cellar in 25kg boxes in a temperature-controlled truck. A second sorting process took place in the cellar before the grapes were pressed gently into a stainless steel tank where the must was left to settle at a low temperature. The wine was subsequently transferred into a barrel where it fermented spontaneously for approximately one year (undergoing an alcoholic as well as malolactic fermentation) under temperature-controlled conditions.

Ageing: 12 months in Foudres.

Food Suggestions: Grilled fish, seafood and white meats. Vegetarian pairings: vegetable stir-fry and salads. Suitable for Vegans & Vegetarians.

Winemaker: Dirk Niepoort