Picotes Palhete

Palhete, a traditional Portuguese name for field blends of (mostly) red and white grapes, is neither red nor rosé. It occupies the liminal space in between. Sourced from five 90+ year old vines on granite and schist in Termo de Sendim (at 700m, the freshest component) and Arribas (at 550m, the more structured component). Translucent ruby, this charming old field blend palhete is strikingly floral, with lilac-scented sweet but sappy red cherry, raspberry and watermelon fruit, with cherrystone and raspberry seed hints. Fresh, granitic acidity and sheer tannins make for a fluid, ultra-digestible vin de soif with a sense of place. 2,750 bottles made. Serve lightly chilled. Drink 2024-2026

85% Red (Tinta Gorda, Verdelho Vermelho, Bastardo, Tinta Fina, Tinta de Escrever, Tinta Carvalha, Olho de Rei), 15% White (Donzelinho Branco, Bastardo Branco, Malvasia, Verdelho, Formosa) plus more than a dozen as yet unidentified varieties.

The grapes were hand-picked on 9 September 2023 and foot trodden with stems in traditional granite lagar. After 24 hours’ pre-fermentation skin contact, the grapes were pressed into stainless steel tank and fermented naturally. The resulting wine was aged on the lees in 50% stainless steel /50% used barrels until bottling in April 2024.

Serve lightly chilled 10-14°C

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