Quinta Da Fonte Souto

Description

Quinta da Fonte Souto is in the Portalegre subregion of the Alto Alentejo in southern Portugal. Close to the São Mamede range (1,025 metres), the property benefits from the area’s altitude with its cooler microclimate in sharp contrast to the Alentejo region’s typically hot and dry conditions. Yields are low due to the schist and granite soils, which are less fertile than those found in the flat and rolling terrain which characterizes the majority of the Alentejo. There are 207 hectares on the property, of which 43 are planted with vines. The principal grape varieties are Aragonês, Alfrocheiro, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The property has a substantial chestnut grove, from which its name is derived — ‘souto’ refers to a wooded area planted with chestnut trees. The Fonte Souto Estate white wine embodies all the strengths of the property’s unique terroir: the freshness and balance afforded by the altitude; the concentration, which derives from mature, low-yielding vines, and the complexity and structure provided by the barrel fermentation sur-lie (on the lees) with bâtonnage. This white allows for maximum expression of the Arinto, widely regarded as Portugal’s finest white grape variety and has a smaller Verdelho component.

TASTING NOTES
Luminous pale straw-golden colour. Expressive aromas of honeysuckle with soft butterscotch notes. The seamless barrel integration is mirrored in the delicate touch of vanilla. On the palate, the fruit is crisp and focused with succulent flavours of white plum and citrus tones in the background. Harmonious and charming, revealing good bottle-ageing character.

FOOD PAIRING

Salads, marinated antipasto, crab and lobster., vegetable brochettes.