TFWATH Palhete 2024

My 2024 collaboration with Arribas Wine Company in the Trás-os-Montes region of northern Portugal.

'Palhete' is the Portuguese version of Spain's 'clarete' – a co-ferment of red and white grapes. This one is a field blend of 60/40 red to white, mainly tinta gorda, plus bastardo, alfrocheiro, alvarelhão, rufete, malvasia, verdelho and formosa.

The vineyard is about 90 years old and is located in Peredo de Bemposta, close to the border with Spain, at 660m above sea level. The soil is mostly sandy with some clay, decomposed granite and quartz. 

Handpicked grapes, spontaneous fermentation with two weeks' skin maceration, then ageing in François Frères Burgundy barrels, plus a portion to steel tank, for 12 months. A further six months in bottle before release.

Alc: 12%