This wine is a striking example of the inventive spirit found in the Basto subregion of Vinho Verde, representing a fascinating reversal of traditional blending practices. As the complementary partner to Binto no Tranco, this wine is built upon a foundation of 90% red wine derived from the local Padeiro de Basto grape, which is then lifted and nuanced by a 10% addition of the aromatic white Loureiro. This unique ratio results in a light-bodied red wine profile that retains the characteristic freshness of Vinho Verde.
Within the vineyards, Peluda, under Mariana Pala's direction, maintains a strong focus on sustainability. During the cold winter months, horses and donkeys fertilize the granite and schist-rich soils naturally, ensuring the health of their seventeen hectares without resorting to synthetic chemicals. On the production side, the deliberate, precise co-fermentation or blending of these native varieties is geared toward creating a wine that is both intensely flavorful and supremely refreshing.
For the educated palate, Tranco no Binto offers an engaging profile: the wine possesses the bright, juicy red fruit characteristics expected from Padeiro de Basto, often presenting notes of wild berries and cranberry, which are then seamlessly interwoven with the subtle floral and citrus lift contributed by the Loureiro component, lending a distinctive aromatic complexity and enhanced structure. The wine's intrinsic freshness and easy-drinking character make it a versatile, yet profound, expression of the Minho region's mountainous interior.
