Saravá - FML Branco

A small-batch release white wine from the Vinho Verde region, a blend of 80% Loureiro and 20% Trajadura grapes. Saravá Wines, a project by the husband-and-wife team Leli and Miguel Viseu, is based in Ponte de Lima, Northwest Portugal, within the Sub Lima region of Vinho Verde. Their commitment to sustainability is a cornerstone of their philosophy, prioritizing organic farming practices to minimize chemical pesticides and fertilizers, thereby protecting the environment and promoting biodiversity in their vineyards. They also focus on preserving indigenous grape varieties like Loureiro and Trajadura, allowing these grapes to express the region's unique character.

The winemaking process for this FML Branco emphasizes minimal intervention. The destemmed grapes are directly pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks. Notably, no sulfites are added during its production, and some malolactic fermentation naturally occurs in the bottle. This latter process contributes to the wine's unique texture and complexity and may result in a slight natural effervescence or cloudiness.

Tasting notes for Saravá's FML Branco, with its blend of Loureiro and Trajadura, describe a light and elegant wine. The Loureiro component contributes floral aromatics, such as orange blossom and jasmine, intertwined with refreshing hints of lime zest, green apple, and a whisper of bay leaf. The Trajadura typically adds a complementary roundness and ripe pear or apricot notes. On the palate, the wine presents a vivacity characteristic of Vinho Verde, with crisp acidity. The influence of malolactic fermentation in the bottle can lend a subtle creamy texture or a nuanced complexity to the palate. The finish is clean, fresh, and enduring, with the fruitiness subtly giving way to a delightful mineral undertone, reminiscent of the region's granitic soils. This wine is a versatile companion, pairing exceptionally well with seafood, light salads, and vegetable dishes, and can also be enjoyed as an aperitif.