Hugo Mendes 'Tejo' Branco

Pale gold, much paler than I expected given the time on the skins. Complex aroma of slightly smoky, clean-cut citrus, and a suggestion of citrus peel and pear plus a touch of sour apricot. Even with all this complexity there's also finesse and the wine is more subtle and multifaceted than many a skin-fermented white. There's also an attractive edge of minerally stone dust, which is unusual in this style. Firm but finely tannic texture that reminds me of pear skins, terrific freshness fully meshed with the firm texture. The texture seems to have taken the place of alcohol in providing body and depth since the alcohol is so modest. Deliciously dry on the finish without being aggressively tannic the way some skin-fermented whites can be. Long and mouth-watering with a touch of chamomile tea on the aftertaste. (Julia Harding MW for JancisRobinson.com)

Fernão Pires

Fermented and aged half of the blend on skins for 8 month

Serve chilled at 10-12ºC.