Arribas Wine Company - 2020 - Manicómio tinto

Arribas Wine Company project began to take shape in 2017, when its founders Frederico Machado and Ricardo Alves embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Their quest took them toBemposta, a small village in the municipality of Mogadouro. Machado’s grandparents are from the village but the potential of Bemposta’s old vineyards failed to pique his interest until fate brought him to a party in the village. Teaming up with Alves, the pair – micro-negociants, who buy grapes – swiftly extended their project beyond Bemposta. There they found centurian vineyards with breathtaking views and outstanding potential. Tinta Gorda, Malvasia, Bastardo, Verdelho, Rufete, Bastardo Branco, Verdelho Vermelho, Tinta Serrana (among other varieties yet to be identified), altitude, a wide variation of soils and exposures, traditional and sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking are the conducting wires of this project, which aims at elevating the full potential of Arribas do Douro and its vineyards. In addition to making wine under Niepoort’s Nat Cool label, they have collaborated on a cuvee that reflects Dirk's signature style.

Arribas Manicómio is made with 50% red and 50% white varieties are hand-harvested and stored in an open-top vat where gas was added daily in order to carry out carbonic fermentation for 2 weeks. The grapes were then foot trodden followed by wild fermentation for a month. Grapes were pressed and racked into used French Oak barrels and aged for 9 months on fine lees. This wine is unfined and unfiltered.