From: Portugal
Vine: The rows of vines are traditionally planted across the slope in horizontal terraces. More recently vines have been planted up the slope (called “vinha ao alto”, meaning vertically planted). More recently vines have been planted up the slope (called “Vinha ao alto”, meaning vertically planted).
Soils: chist-sandstone (greywacke), interspersed with granite in some places.
Tasting Notes: Hand-picked at the optimum time, the grapes are then destemmed, crushed and converted into wine through a process of careful maceration, enhanced by constant churning during fermentation. This takes place in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature (between 16-18°C) until the right degree of sweetness (baumé) is achieved. At this point, grape brandy is added to create the final fortified wine. Made by blending wines of different harvests that have maturated in stainless steel and wood for a minimum of 3 years, the result is a rich and aromatic wine, with the perfect level of sweetness.
