Quinta de Arcossó Grande Reserva Branco 2021 – Refinement and Precision
An Exceptional White from Trás-os-Montes
The Quinta de Arcossó Grande Reserva Branco 2021 is a masterstroke of balance, complexity, and regional identity. Crafted from two of Portugal’s most celebrated white grape varieties, Arinto and Alvarinho, this wine showcases the immense potential of Trás-os-Montes for producing world-class white wines with structure, elegance, and longevity.
Grape Varieties
Arinto: Renowned for its vibrant acidity and citrus-driven profile, contributing freshness and longevity to the blend.
Alvarinho: Famed for its aromatic intensity, adding notes of ripe tropical fruit, minerality, and texture.
Vinification and Aging
The grapes were hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and delicately pressed to preserve their purity. The juice was fermented in French oak barrels, a process that nurtured the wine's structure and aromatic complexity. Following fermentation, the wine was aged on fine lees in the same barrels for 12 months, with regular bâtonnage to enhance its creamy texture and depth. This meticulous process imbued the wine with richness while retaining the vibrant character of its varieties.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Bright golden yellow with subtle green highlights, reflecting its freshness and barrel influence.
Aroma: A complex bouquet of citrus fruits (lemon zest, green apple), white peach, and tropical nuances, harmonized with toasty vanilla, brioche, and subtle smoky notes from barrel aging. A hint of wet stone adds a mineral edge.
Palate: Refined and structured, with a vibrant acidity perfectly balanced by a creamy, full-bodied texture. The palate unfolds with flavors of lime, ripe apricot, and a touch of honey, underscored by a saline minerality and a lingering, elegant finish with hints of oak spice.
Serving Suggestions
Temperature: Serve at 10°C to 12°C to fully appreciate its complexity and freshness.
Glassware: Use a Burgundy-style white wine glass to enhance its aromatic expression and texture.
Decanting: Decanting for 30–40 minutes is recommended to allow the wine’s aromas to fully blossom.
Pairing Recommendations
This Grande Reserva Branco 2021 is an outstanding partner for elevated cuisine:
Seafood: Grilled lobster, butter-poached crab, and monkfish with saffron sauce.
White Meats: Herb-crusted chicken or turkey with creamy lemon sauce.
Vegetarian Dishes: Wild mushroom risotto, truffle pasta, or roasted cauliflower with tahini.
Cheeses: Creamy Brie, aged Gruyère, or semi-hard cheeses like Serra da Estrela.
An Ode to Terroir and Craftsmanship
The Quinta de Arcossó Grande Reserva Branco 2021 is a remarkable expression of the winery’s dedication to excellence. The granitic soils and high-altitude vineyards of Trás-os-Montes lend the wine its distinctive minerality and vibrancy, while barrel fermentation and aging enhance its depth and complexity. This vintage is a powerful statement of the potential for Portuguese white wines to achieve greatness on the global stage.
Limited and Exclusive
Produced in small quantities, this wine is a treasure for collectors and enthusiasts, embodying the spirit of Trás-os-Montes in every bottle.
A Wine to Celebrate and Contemplate
Whether paired with an exquisite meal or savored on its own, the Quinta de Arcossó Grande Reserva Branco 2021 is a wine to be cherished, a testament to the harmony between nature and meticulous winemaking.