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Humus - Charlatão Tinto

Sale price€17,50

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The Humus Charlatão Tinto is a playfully deceptive red wine from the Lisboa region. The name "Charlatão" or "Charlatan" is a tongue-in-cheek nod to its composition, which often includes a subtle, unlisted percentage of other varieties alongside its primary grape, Castelão.

This wine is primarily a varietal expression of the traditional Portuguese grape, Castelão, sourced from the organically farmed vineyards of Encosta da Quinta near the Atlantic coast. The name "Charlatão" specifically refers to the occasional, unstated inclusion of small amounts of Tinta Barroca or Syrah, allowing the winemaker Rodrigo Filipe a touch of expressive liberty. The winemaking process is deliberately low-intervention, befitting the natural wine style. Grapes are destemmed and crushed, undergoing a relatively short maceration, often around five days, followed by spontaneous fermentation using only native yeasts in stainless steel tanks. This short skin contact is key to achieving a lighter, brighter red profile. The wine is then aged for approximately twelve months, usually in used French oak barrels, allowing gradual micro-oxidation to soften the wine without imparting new wood flavor. In keeping with the ethos of minimum intervention, the final wine is bottled unfined, unfiltered, and usually with no added sulfites.

The Charlatão Tinto pours a medium ruby color, sometimes with a slight haze due to the lack of filtration. The aromatic profile is immediately engaging and fresh, characterized by bright, delicate red fruits, most notably tart cherry, cranberry, and ripe raspberry, with an underpinning of subtle dried floral and light earthy notes, a signature of the Castelão variety. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and remarkably refreshing, driven by a zesty, high acidity that is perfectly balanced by the clean red fruit. The tannins are present but fine-grained and velvety, providing structure without being aggressive. It offers a profile that leans towards a lighter, more energetic style of red wine. It finishes very clean with persistent minerality and a hint of spice, making it a highly versatile and food-friendly Portuguese offering.

A bottle of red wine labeled 'Humus', with a red cap and a white label on a plain background.
Humus - Charlatão Tinto Sale price€17,50

Learn more about

Humus

Humus is a notable wine producer located in the Lisbon region of Portugal, specifically at Quinta do Paço in Encosta da Quinta. The estate is managed by Rodrigo Filipe, who is both the proprietor and winemaker. The vineyard spans 9 hectares and is distinguished by its commitment to organic farming practices, which are certified. The soils in the vineyard are composed of red clay and limestone, which contribute to the unique characteristics of the wines produced there.

Rodrigo Filipe is known for producing wines that exhibit a rich fruit content, aromatic complexity, and balanced acidity. The grape varieties grown at Humus include Arinto, Fernão Pires, Sauvignon Blanc, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barocca, Castelão, and Syrah. The estate's name, "Humus," is inspired by the dark organic material in soils, which is crucial for soil fertility and is a testament to the vineyard's focus on maintaining healthy soils.

Humus is committed to sustainable winemaking practices. The organic certification of their farming methods underscores their dedication to environmental responsibility. This approach not only supports the health of the vineyard's ecosystem but also enhances the quality and authenticity of the wines produced.

Humus has gained recognition in the wine community, partly due to its collaboration with Os Goliardos, a group known for promoting small, organic winemakers. This partnership has helped increase the visibility of Humus wines, contributing to their growing prominence in the market.

In summary, Humus stands out as a producer deeply committed to organic and sustainable winemaking practices. Under the guidance of Rodrigo Filipe, the estate continues to craft wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Lisbon region while maintaining a strong focus on environmental stewardship.