Pale gold-brown color; lime, tangerine, beeswax, brioche, spice, subtle oak, minerality on the nose and palate.
Dry; no tannins, some acidity (3.7 pH). Medium body, good mouthfeel. Blend of several Portuguese white grape varieties—40% arinto, 20% fernã pires, 20% roupeiro, 20% bical. Grapes come for vineyards in the São Mamede mountains at altitudes up to 2,000 feet. Fruit is hand-picked into small crates, then cooled by thermic shock—rapid cooling—and pressed. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel. Full malolactic fermentation/conversion. Aged in French and American oak. 12% ABV
Adega de Portalegre was founded in 1954 in the natural park of Serra de São Mamede. The soils are granitic and the vineyards are divided into small blocks on the sides of the mountains. The majority of the vines are more than 70 years old. Located in a national park, environmental sustainability is important. The website notes: “The Adega de Portalegre has an ever present concern for the adoption of environmentally responsible agricultural practices, as well as in the management of natural resources in a rational and responsible way. Energy efficiency, the reduction of water consumption and the use of recyclable materials are constant goals throughout the process, from the vineyard, to the glasses we have in our tables.”
Adega Cooperativa de Portalegre Conventual Reserva Vinho Branco DOC 2018 is rich, interesting combination of Portuguese white grapes. Medium body. Freshness and tension, good length. Solid but not exceptional, but clearly works nicely at is price point. A very serviceable Portuguese white. Portugal produces exceptionally good value wines. This is one of them. Pair with fish, seafood; fish stews; fish risottos; octopus; shellfish; sushi; roasted and baked chicken; salads and vegetarian fare. Cheese—goat cheeses; feta, ricotta, manchego, burrata, comté, taleggio, pecorino romano. $12