Adega Regional de Colares - 2020 - Arenae Branco

The Colares Regional Winery, founded in 1931, is the oldest cooperative winery in Portugal. It currently comprises the majority of growers in the Demarcated Region of Colares, which is a very tiny region just west of Lisbon in the town of Sintra.

Their vines are grown in phylloxera-free sandy soils without rootstock grafting, located less than 1km (0,62 miles) from the Atlantic Coast at approximately 110m (360 feet). Of key importance is that they are completely free to crawl along the sand on horizontal cordons. In August, the grape clusters are propped with small cane sticks called pontões, and shielded by Atlantic winds with hand-made palisades of dried canes and wicker.

Colares Arenae Branco is made with 100% Malvasia de Colares grapes that were harvested in the last week of September. Light skin contact for 6 hours inside the press. The must was then chilled (6ºC) and cold settling took place overnight. Racked to a stainless steel tank. Fermentation lasted 16 days, with temperature control (15-16ºC). Tank aged for 12 months, with regular bâtonnage. Exotic wood maturation during 6 months.