Espinhosos 2017

White Wine | Regional Minho | 12.5% VOL

Espinhosos 2017 blends the grape varieties Avesso and Chardonnay produced at the estate. Both varietals are grown using sustainable farming practices and the vineyards are currently in a conversion process to organic production, which is to be certified in April 2018.

The 2016 winter and the first quarter of 2017 had a period of precipitation below the annual average values of the season, with temperatures within the average of previous years.

Spring was very hot and dry. The vegetative cycle began earlier than usual, with the budbreak occurring in the first fortnight of March and temperatures reaching 27 Cº. The night of March 23rd, was, however, extremely cold, with frost developing on the less sheltered locations. The month of April was exceptionally hot, with much higher temperatures than the average values. May was marked by above average maximum temperatures, while precipitation values were notoriously low for this period.

Summer was characterized by an absence of precipitation, and above-average maximum temperatures. It was a warm, and extremely dry, season, set by heat waves in mid-June and mid-July. The harvest at Quinta dos Espinhosos took place earlier than usual, on August 30th and 31st, by varietals, since the grape bunches were already at an excellent state of maturation.

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Grape Varieties

Avesso

A high quality white grape variety that leads to full bodied aromatic and flavorful Portuguese white wines. This varietal can result in wines with citrus and tree fruit aromas along with subtle hints of tropical fruit. Avesso has medium-sized bunches with large yellow and green berries. High-yielding and rustic, this grape is planted primarily in Baião, in the vinho verde region of Portugal.

Chardonnay

One of the world’s most recognized and cherished grape variety from which highly aromatic and complex white wines are made from. A green-skinned grape variety with great acidity that can result in portuguese white wines with nice fruit flavors, buttery mouthfeel and notes of minerality. The Chardonnay grape is small with medium-sized bunches. An outstanding varietal with great potencial in Baião, a location in the vinho verde region.