Adega de Colares Arenae Malvasia de Colares Branco 2018

COLARES – Sintra - Portugal

Located between Sintra Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, 25 km from Lisbon. Westernmost wine demarcated region of continental Europe and the smallest still wine producing region in Portugal.

Malvasia de Colares

Ancient and rare grape sort, only grown in this area. Cultivated in the traditional phyloxera-free sandy soils without root stock grafting, located at less than 1 km (0,62 miles)from the Atlantic Coast at an average altitude of 110 m (360 feet).

Due to the closeness of the sea, the climate is very specific, with a muscular Atlantic influence, i.e. moderate temperatures, strong andsalty sea winds, and a high pe rcentage of air moisture. Mists are common till mid-morning due to the presence of the Sintra Mountain, to the South.

No trellis system. The vines are free, crawling on the sand, with the cordons stretching horizontally. By August, the clusters are propped up with the use of small cane sticks -pontões-. Plants must be shielded from sea wind, which is accomplished through hand-made palisades of dried canes sewn with wicker. Properties are generally small and bound by loose stone walls.

Tank aged for 12 months, with regular bâtonnage.Exotic wood maturation during 6 months.

Medium yellow colour with light green reflections. The bouquet shows character of lemon and verbena with a unique and intriguing sensation of wax, honey and boiled apple. Strong presence in the palate, with good acidity, dryness and a unique mineral character (sallé), reminding the nearby sea. With ageing, the wine loses some of its fresh aromatic style but retains elements of delicacy, and the flavours become even more distinctive, with toasted notes of dried fruits, iodine and hay.

Suits a wide range of foods and can also be served as an aperitif. It particularly suits the aromatic flavours of Thai and Indian cuisine, grilled fish and shellfish. Great with oysters! As the wine ages, gaining a different patina, it serves well with more sophisticated and seasoned fish meals.