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Gerações da Talha - Atão, váz tinto?

Sale price€14,00

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A striking example of traditional Talha wine production, a natural style that harnesses centuries-old techniques to transform white grape potential into a wine with an unexpected structural depth. This wine is crafted entirely from Antão Vaz grapes, with 100% of the fruit, including skins, seeds, and even fragments of vine, playing a vital role in its composition. By embracing the entirety of the grape, the process extracts not only vibrant aromatics but also a tannic backbone that is unusual for a white varietal.

In the early phase of production, the Antão Vaz grapes are processed using the age-old Talha method. During this stage, the grapes are allowed to macerate for a period of four months in traditional clay vessels, where the interaction of juice and solid parts fosters complex flavor development. The extended contact time imbues the wine with textural depth and natural tannins, ensuring that every element of the grape contributes to the final profile.

Following the four-month maceration, the process takes an innovative twist. The entire solid mass is transferred to an alfrocheiro carving—a carved vessel that, filled with red masses, functions as a natural filter. As the wine is drawn from the tap at the bottom of the carving, it emerges unfiltered yet harmoniously balanced, capturing the delicacy of a white wine while retaining the structured tannins typical of a red.

On the nose, Atão, váz tinto? unfolds with a refreshing bouquet marked by crisp citrus and green apple interwoven with subtle floral hints, reminiscent of the purity often found in white wines. This delicate aromatic profile is intriguingly counterpointed by an underlying earthiness and a firm tannic structure. On the palate, the wine delivers a unique textural experience: a light, fresh core that is accentuated by the grainy, red wine-like tannins, creating a complex interplay between brightness and structure that lingers with a prolonged, satisfying finish.

Gerações da Talha - Atão, váz tinto?
Gerações da Talha - Atão, váz tinto? Sale price€14,00

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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.