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Gerações da Talha - NaTalha - Branco

Sale price€15,50

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A natural white wine crafted using the ancestral Vinho de Talha method. This involves fermenting the entire clusters of traditional white grape varieties – skins, seeds, and a portion of the stems – within traditional clay amphorae, the talhas. Antão Vaz, Roupeiro, Perrum, and Diagalves are the specific grape varieties utilized. The harvest of these grapes takes place at the beginning of August. Following a four-month period of maceration and fermentation in the talha, the solid components of the grapes settle and act as a natural filter for the wine drawn from the bottom of the vessel. Consistent with their natural winemaking philosophy, sulfites are only added at bottling, and the wine may present with sediment.

The viticulture for NaTalha Branco centers on cultivating these traditional grape varieties. While explicit details regarding formal sustainable certifications are not provided, the commitment to natural winemaking and the employment of the traditional Vinho de Talha method imply a respect for low-intervention practices in the vineyard. The selection of traditional grapes, well-suited to the region, can often contribute to a natural balance and resilience, potentially minimizing the necessity for extensive agricultural inputs.

Tasting notes for NaTalha Branco would reflect the extended skin contact during the fermentation in clay amphorae and the blend of traditional white varieties. Compared to conventionally produced white wines, the four-month maceration on skins typically results in a white wine with enhanced texture, structure, and aromatic complexity. Expect a wine with noticeable tannins, which can contribute a pleasant grip and mouthfeel. The aromatic profile would be a blend of the characteristics of Antão Vaz, Roupeiro, Perrum, and Diagalves, potentially exhibiting notes of ripe fruit, floral hints, and subtle earthy or herbal undertones derived from the skin contact and partial stem inclusion. The fermentation in clay can also impart a distinct minerality to the wine. The absence of fining and filtration preserves the wine's inherent flavors and textures, leading to a unique and authentic expression of the regional terroir and the traditional Vinho de Talha style. The recommended serving temperature of 13°C suggests enjoying the wine slightly chilled to accentuate its aromatic nuances and refreshing character.

Gerações da Talha - NaTalha - Branco
Gerações da Talha - NaTalha - Branco Sale price€15,50

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Gerações da Talha

The story of Gerações da Talha winds its way through time, a testament to a family's dedication and a region's unwavering commitment to tradition. It all began in Vila de Frandes, the heart of Portugal's Alentejo, a village crowned the "capital" of Talha wine. Here, generations of the Caeiro family, including Teresa Caeiro's grandfather Professor Arlindo Ruivo, have been the custodians of an ancient art - the art of crafting wines in clay pots called talhas.

This legacy stretches back over two millennia, with evidence suggesting the Romans themselves brought the Talha method to the region. The meticulously chosen grapes arrive at the cellar where the journey begins. Destemmed and crushed, they are deposited into the talhas along with skins, seeds, and even some stalks. Within these vessels, fermentation takes its course, transforming sugar into alcohol. As carbon dioxide escapes, a thick layer of grape solids forms on the surface. This is where the age-old practice of "stirring the hoist" comes in. The winemaker submerges this cap using a wooden plunger, ensuring all the grape components mingle and contribute their character to the developing wine.

Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of Gerações da Talha's practices. The clay talhas themselves are a testament to this. Unlike some modern methods, they require minimal intervention, relying on natural processes for temperature control and fermentation. Additionally, the "mother," a layer of lees that settles at the bottom of the talha, acts as a natural filter, further reducing the need for external manipulation.

The result? Wines brimming with history and character. Gerações da Talha's Natalha range exemplifies this beautifully. The Natalha white offers a refreshing expression, while the palhete, a light skin-contact wine, boasts a unique texture. The red iteration completes the trilogy, showcasing the depth and complexity achievable through the Talha method.

Gerações da Talha is more than just a winery; it's a bridge between past and present. By preserving this time-honored tradition, they craft exceptional wines and ensure that the soul of Alentejo and the whispers of history remain etched in every sip.