Since 1957, the vines at Quinta da Serradinha have thrived in their appellation of Encostas de Aire, where the Atlantic delivers cool mornings and high rainfall, balanced by the warmth of dry summers. Hotter areas of Portugal don't always have this balanced aspect, and Serradinha’s elegant wines demonstrate both the nuance of the microclimate and their excellent farming. Long before organic practices became mainstream, in 1994, they embraced this practice. This branco is composed of around 85% Encruzado, perhaps Portugal’s most important or striking white variety, and around 15% Arinto, known for acidity and pretty honey and citrus notes. Like the reds from this winery, it’s fermented spontaneously in open-top big wood, lending structure, and has aged for a few years in bottle before release. Elegant and impressive white wine from the Portuguese coast, the opposite of characterless, industrial vinho verde.
