QUINTA DOS FRADES
VINHA DOS SANTOS
COLHEITA
White 2023
Technical Data

Viticultural year: 2023 was once again an atypical year, with a warm and rainy winter, a very hot and dry spring and a hot summer, but considered normal due to the rainfall recorded in June and September.

The high temperatures and low rainfall in some of the months of the growing season contributed to the year being considered warm and normal in terms of rainfall, but with deviations from the climatic pattern.

Ageing: 4 months in stainless steel vats. Minimum bottle ageing of 2 months.

The Wine: Quinta dos Frades Vinha dos Santos White is produced in smaller quantity as the grapes used come from a small number of plots available at Quinta do Castelo, a estate that belongs to Quinta dos Frades, located in the sub-region of Baixo Corgo. The climate of the Baixo Corgo sub-region is cooler and wetter. Also, the vineyards are planted at higher altitudes. This helps to retain acidity, a feature much needed to add freshness to Douro white wines. The wine is unoaked and released without ageing to show the maximum purity of its fruit.

Grape growing and winemaking: The vines are planted in socalcos (very old small terraces supported by stone walls) and patamares (wider terraces from 1960s). The grapes are picked by hand and quickly sent to a pneumatic press where they are gentle pressed. Sedimentation of the free run juice takes place at low temperature for 48 hours. The juice is then racked off the skins and fermented at controlled temperature.

Tasting notes: Appearance: Pale yellow lemon;
Nose: Medium intensity, with citrus notes of lemon and pear combined with hints of white plum;
Palate: Light to medium bodied, dry, with vibrant acidity. Flavours of citrus and white stone fruit. Dry and lively finish.

Serving suggestions: Serve at 8°C. This wine accompanies light dishes, such as a variety of salads and soft spicy Asian cuisine. It is also a good match to all kinds of shellfish and grilled fish.