Self Isolation : Day # 19

1991 Caves São João Poço do Lobo Arinto

Portugal is somewhat of a conundrum when it comes to the modern wine world. Known for centuries for a single style, Port, its other regions left mostly undiscovered by the rest of the world and unloved by most other than local residents. For a country that sent explorers around the globe, it seems odd that today the Portuguese are still discovering and learning about their indigenous grape varietals.

The Bairrada region, from which this wine hails, is along the Atlantic coast south of the famous wine shipping city of Oporto. Heavily influenced by the cooling ocean winds, it is the birthplace of quality Portuguese sparkling wine and is known today for the age-worthy red grape Baga. While reds dominate the conversation, there are some terrific white wines made as well. These high-acid, tantalizing wines are crafted from a handful of grapes and are known to be able to last decades if properly stored.

100% Arinto (known for its high acidity and lemon, lime, and apple flavors) from vineyards at Quinta (Portuguese for winery) do Poço do Lobo planted in the 1920s. In the mid-1970’s another winery, Caves São João, purchased the Quinta, its vineyards, and all of its stocks of back vintages. In 2013 they decided to start releasing their stocks of perfectly cellared wines dating to the 1950s. At 28 years old, it still needed 30 to 40 minutes in the decanter to really open up. Aromatic, with notes of preserved lemon peel, lime leaf, citrus zest, dried apple, and wet stones the palate is dominated by tart, lively acidity over round notes of dried and bruised yellow apples and preserved lemons. If you’re a fan of aged white Rioja you should give aged Arinto a go and discover the gastronomic beauty that is Portugal.