Quinta do Vale Meao: Monte Meao White 2023

: Arinto 70%, Rabigato 30%

: weiß, trocken; 12,5% Vol.; Trinkreife: 2026–2036

: frische Säure; mineralisch; voll & rund

: Lobenberg: 95/100; Parker: 92–93/100

: Portugal, Douro

: Allergene: Sulfite,

Abfüller / Importeur: Quinta do Vale Meao, Cx. Postal 13, Pt-5150-501 Vila Nova de Foz Coa, PORTUGAL

Lobenberg: Der Monte Meao Branco stammt aus einer kleinen Parzelle, die fast am höchsten Punkt der Meao’schen Halbinsel liegt. Das Terroir wurde aufgrund der Temperatur und Luftigkeit gewählt. Hier gibt es sonst keine anderen Weinberge. 70 % Arinto und 30 % Rabigato werden in großen Tonneaux vergoren und anschließend zehn Monate im Holz ausgebaut. Die Nase ist zunächst zurückhaltend, dann mit einer subtilen Hefenote, die an frische Brioche erinnert, dazu weißer Pfirsich, ein Hauch Marille und immer wieder dieser kühle, steinige Unterton – wie nasser Kalkstein. Schon im Glas wirkt er wie ein Lichtstrahl – hell, klar, fast kristallin. Die Nase ist zunächst zurückhaltend, dann mit einer subtilen Hefenote, die an frische Brioche erinnert, dazu weißer Pfirsich, ein Hauch Marille und immer wieder dieser kühle, steinige Unterton – wie nasser Kalkstein an einem heißen Tag. Am Gaumen spannt sich der Monte Meão Branco straff und geradlinig. Die Frucht ist hell und fein, grüne Birne, Zitrus, etwas Pfirsich. Doch es ist die salzige, fast kreidige Mineralität, die den Ton angibt. Geschliffen, mit leicht cremigem Schmelz und etwas süßlich-bitter. Hier gibt es nichts Weiches, sondern alles bleibt präzise und ungemein seriös. Die Frische, die sich im Mund breit macht, würde man aus einer derart heißen Lage nicht erwarten! Das ist Douro Branco in einer seiner elegantesten Formen.

Parker über: Monte Meao White

-- Parker: The 2023 Monte Meão Branco is a brand new white from older vines on the property and produced with 70% Arinto and 30% Rabigato, fermented and matured in barrel. It's been blended and is currently in tank waiting for bottling (but they may age it for a little longer in oak vats). It has integrated oak and a round palate with very good balance. It's clean, serious and has some austerity and very good freshness, finesse and length. It finishes dry, with a chalky and tasty feeling.

Weingut über: Monte Meao White

-- Weingut: The viticultural year of 2022/2023 stood out as yet another atypical year, with heavy rainfall in the months of October, November, and December. The end of Winter and the beginning of Spring were very dry. Strong precipitation in May and June replenished the soil water levels. Finally, a heatwave in the last week of August and intense rains a few days before the Equinox marked this year with highly variable weather. Two moments in the vegetative cycle are worth highlighting: an extremely dry and hot April compared to normal; May and June with periods of intense rain, in some cases accompanied by hail, resulting in significant losses. At Quinta do Vale Meao, we estimate a production decrease of around 30%.These two moments of the cycle, combined with the water levels stored in the soil during Winter, allowed for extensive vegetative growth and the development of medium to large clusters. The rainy winter and mild spring allowed for good vineyard establishment and development. Despite lesser pressure, disease prevention (downy mildew) and control of more prevalent pests (leafhopper) were necessary. Production was average (despite hail losses), and the quality of the wines appears exceptional. Towards the end of the cycle, due to the heat and available water, ripening occurred rapidly, resulting in a slightly early harvest. Only a small portion of the production was affected by the rains. Nevertheless, some selection was necessary due to the fragility of the grape skins. Thus, we began the harvest on August 16, 2023, with the entry of white grapes from the Rabigato variety, and concluded on September 18, 2023, with Tinta Roriz. This wine comes from two vineyards: Vinha do Rio and Vinha do Janeanes, planted in alluvial and schist soils with the Arinto and Rabigato varieties, respectively. Fermentation in 500 liter barrels from various cooperages. 25% new barrels, the remainder in 2nd and 3rd year barrels. Aging in barrels for 5 months with periodic batonnage, resting in barrels for another 4 months. It was bottled in July 2024. Very mineral, discreet and well integrated wood, excellent volume in the mouth, citrus, complex and long finish.

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