quicksearch
90POINTS
16½/20
Quinta do Ameal Minho Branco Escolha 2011
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalThis wine is 100% Loureiro grape from the subregion of Ponte de Lima, which is named for the popular, picturesque town where Ameal is based. Here owner Pedro Araujo focuses on serious, long-lived wines, farmed organically and treated with respectful care, and specializes in the ancient and elegant Louriero grape. Labelling this Vinho Verde with the Minho appellation designation signifies that this isn't the simple, fizzy Vinho Verde style prevalent to the region. Heady peach blossom, mandarin oil, anise and gentle oak on first approach, this wood-aged white has spent 6 months in new French oak hogshead barrels with regular lees-stirring for additional creaminess and suppleness. Full and waxy on the palate, with lime pith, anise, citrus and mildly smoky, fragrant vanillin spice, finishing with tight lemon acidity. The wine undergoes minimal filtration, preserving much of the textured complexities. I recommend decanting this wine at least one hour before enjoying it, preferably with pheasant or grilled quail - or you can cellar this for another 2-4 years.Tasted: 12 March 2015Tasted by: Treve RingPrices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml | specialty listing |
Grape: LoureiroCSPC: 309906
