Arribas Wine Co. 2020 'Saroto' Branco, Trás-os-Montes, Portugal

An inspired young duo producing some of Portugal's most exciting new exports from the northwest part of the country. 

Winemakers: Ricardo Alves and Frederico Machado

Farming: Organic

Grapes: 50 year old vines. Field blend, including Verdelho, Malvasia, Posto Branco, Bastardo Branco.

Terroir / Soil: Located just a few kilometers west of Portugal's border with Spain, Trás-os-Montes in a hilly appellation that sits along the Douro river. Soils are mostly granite, quartz and clay. 

Vinification: Hand-harvested on September 8th. Foot trodden, 3 days of skin maceration, then pressed and racked into used french barrels. Kept in barrel on lees for 7 months during indigenous yeast fermentation. Completes malolactic fermentation. 

Tasting notes: Fresh and delightful, this crisp wine pairs along with nearly anything on the table, from potato chips and anchovies, to roasted chicken or pastas.