Funny illustration “Hidden Essentials”, first created for Drink Me red wine in 2006. Since 2012 story about Guardians can be found on bottles of Drink Me Branco.
The storyboard on the label is done by Steven Appleby, Canadian born cartoonist, and known for many drawings especially in The Guardian and Sunday Telegraph.
- Vinification
Vineyard burst was uncommonly early in 2011, and all the cycle was anticipated with harvest starting earlier than ever. Nevertheless higher planted vineyards went slower than the others, and when harvest finished all the wines presented a good quantity of malic acid, which is a very important requirement for a fresh palate in the white wines that don’t undergo malolactic fermentation. Harvest begun in the end of August, and after a quick pressing without any skin contact, the juice settled for 24h. Fermentation was made in stainless steel vats (75%) and French oak barrels (25%). The wine aged in these two types of containers for 7 months with fine lees, without steering and without malolactic fermentation.
- Tasting Notes
Citric coloured wine, with intense mineral character and strong citric aromas, peaches and white flower notes. On the palate shows great balance and complexity, with juicy stone fruit flavours, and a refreshing acidity. Very long and salty aftertaste.
- Technical Information
-
Producer
- Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.
Region
- Douro
Soil Type
- Mica-Schist
Vineyards
- Several
Average Vine Age
- 20-50 years
Grape Varieties
- Codega do Larinho, Rabigato, Gouveio, Dona Branca, Viosinho, Bical and others.
Vines per HA
- 4000 to 6000
Pruning Method
- Guyot and Royat
Alt. from Sea Level
- 550-700 m
Harvest Period
- August
Harvest Method
- Hand picked
Malolactic
- None
Fermentation
- Stainless steel vats (75%) and French Oak barrels (25%)
Bottled
- April 2012
Ageing
- 7 Months in stainless steel vats and French oak barrels
Dry Extract
- 19
Residual Sugar (g/dm3)
- 3
Alcohol (%)
- 13.5
Total Acidity (g/dm3)
- 4.8
Volatile Acidity (g/dm3)
- 0.4
Production
- 92.820 bottles