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Tubarão - NaTalha - Palhete

Sale price€28,99

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Tubarão NaTalha Palhete is a unique wine resulting from a co-production between Tubarão, known for its low-intervention wines in Vinho Verde, and Gerações da Talha, a producer dedicated to the ancient tradition of Vinho de Talha from the Alentejo region. This collaboration brings together the distinct terroirs and winemaking philosophies of two Portuguese regions. The "Palhete" designation refers to a traditional style of wine made from a blend of both red and white grape varieties vinified together. In this instance, the grapes come from old vines cultivated in the sandy soils near the coast, characteristic of Tubarão's location in the Minho region. The specific grape varieties include a field blend of Antão Vaz, Boal de Alicante, Arinto, Alfrocheiro, Tinta Grossa, and Trincadeira, showcasing a mix typical of the Alentejo, where Gerações da Talha is based and where the winemaking in amphora takes place.

The viticulture for the Tubarão NaTalha Palhete reflects a commitment to preserving traditional methods and supporting biodiversity, particularly through Tubarão's involvement with the ancient "Masseiras" farming system in the Minho. However, the grapes for this specific wine, while originating from old vines in the Minho, are vinified in the Alentejo by Gerações da Talha using the ancestral Vinho de Talha method. This involves fermentation and aging in large clay amphorae (talhas). This practice dates back to Roman times and emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the wine to develop its unique character through contact with the clay and the grape skins. This method inherently avoids modern temperature control and filtration, aligning with a natural winemaking philosophy.

Tasting notes for Tubarão NaTalha Palhete describe a wine with great complexity and a persistent acidity, making it highly gastronomic. It typically exhibits a light ruby color. The aromatic profile often includes a mix of red and white fruit notes, reflecting the blend of grape varieties. The palate reveals a distinctive texture and a refreshing acidity, balanced by the subtle influence of amphora aging, which can impart earthy and mineral undertones. The wine is not stabilized or artificially filtered, which may result in a natural deposit in the bottle. The overall impression is a unique and characterful wine that bridges the winemaking traditions of Vinho Verde and Alentejo, offering a complex and food-friendly experience.

Tubarão - NaTalha - Palhete
Tubarão - NaTalha - Palhete Sale price€28,99

Learn more about

Tubarão

Tucked away in Póvoa de Varzim in the Vinho Verde region of Portugal, Tubarão winery is a project born from the collaboration between Márcio Lopes and Ricardo Garrido. Their endeavor is deeply rooted in a commitment to producing low-intervention wines while actively working to preserve nearly extinct traditional farming methods found in Portugal, most notably the unique "campos de masseira." The concept of the masseira was developed by Benedictine monks in the 18th century near the Atlantic coast in northern Portugal. These distinctive agricultural sites are characterized by large, rectangular pits with sloped sides, dug into the sandy dunes bordering the ocean. Vines are strategically planted on these sloped sides, locally known as "valos," which provide crucial protection from the strong Atlantic winds. Interestingly, the flat central area of the masseira contains fresh water and is utilized for cultivating a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, and grains, creating a rich polyculture system. This depression effectively functions as a greenhouse, fostering a warm microclimate conducive to growth. The sandy soils prevalent in Póvoa de Varzim, combined with the cool Atlantic breezes, naturally favor grape varieties known for their bright acidity and pronounced minerality.

The existence of masseiras in Portugal is now critically endangered, and the traditional knowledge and culture associated with this farming technique face the risk of disappearing entirely. Producers like Tubarão play a vital role in financially supporting growers who continue to employ these traditional methods, recognizing their ecological and cultural significance. Their viticulture is intrinsically linked to these historic agricultural sites. For instance, their Pét Nat, a field blend of white and red grapes, originates from old vines cultivated in sandy soils near the coast within these masseira fields, close to the Spanish border. The winemaking philosophy at Tubarão is centered on minimal intervention. The grapes for their Pét Nat are harvested and pressed together, undergo spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and are bottled without any additives, allowing for a pure and authentic expression of the terroir and the traditional farming methods.