A traditional Portuguese field blend from the Trás-os-Montes region, produced in the village of Sendim within the Arribas do Douro International Natural Park. This wine is crafted from five different vineyards with an average age of 90 years, rooted in a blend of granite and schist soils. The blend is predominantly red grapes, including Tinta Gorda, Verdelho Vermelho, Bastardo, and Tinta Carvalha, supplemented by a smaller portion of white grapes such as Donzelinho Branco, Bastardo Branco, and Malvasia. The viticulture is organic and sustainable, with practices focused on preserving the soil and its native vegetation and maintaining green corridors for local wildlife, all with a philosophy that "Living soils give us living wines."
The grapes are hand-harvested and foot-trodden with stems in a traditional granite lagar. After a 24-hour pre-fermentation skin contact, the grapes are pressed into stainless steel tanks, where spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts takes place. The resulting wine is aged on its lees in a combination of 50% stainless steel and 50% used barrels until bottling.
The tasting profile for this palhete is defined by its vibrant character. It has a translucent ruby color and is strikingly floral on the nose, with aromas of lilac, sweet but sappy red cherry, raspberry, and watermelon fruit. Hints of cherry stone and raspberry seed are also present. The palate is fresh, with granitic acidity and sheer tannins contributing to a fluid and ultra-digestible quality. The wine is medium-bodied with flavors of raspberry, cherry, blackberry, and a light touch of black pepper. It offers a clean, mineral-driven finish that reflects the wild beauty of its terroir. This wine is an expressive and easy-to-drink example of a traditional Palhete, balancing its fruity and floral notes with a refreshing acidity.
