Mateus Nicolau de Almeida - Eremitas - Antão do Deserto Branco

Eremitas wines showcase the unique expression of the Rabigato grape through distinct parcels. Sourced from the Douro Superior, each vineyard basks in a similar Mediterranean/Continental climate and benefits from south-facing schist soils of the Desejosa Formation, with subtle variations in rockiness and altitude. The grapes undergo a traditional vinification process. Harvested by hand, they are gently foot-trodden for three hours in a granite basin (calcatórium) before pressing in a vertical press. The must then flows by gravity to concrete vats in an underground cellar, where natural temperature and humidity reign supreme. Spontaneous fermentation occurs without temperature control, followed by a year of aging in the same concrete tanks. This meticulous approach allows the character of each vineyard to shine through in the final bottle.