This wine glimmers pale straw with light golden-green tints. The nose opens with ripe apricot and pineapple, underlined by citrus peel, tangerine and lemon, and delicate floral hints of orange blossom and white flowers. On the palate, it’s dry and lively; golden fruit gives weight, while a crisp lemon character and herbaceous undertones bring freshness and balance. The finish is long, vividly fresh and satisfying.
Duas Quintas Branco is made from a blend of Portuguese white grape varietals (including Rabigato, Viosinho, Arinto and Côdega) sourced from both highland and lowland vineyards. Grapes are harvested by hand, with individual vineyard parcels kept separate. Before pressing, there is a cold maceration (“whole bunches cold macerated”) for about 24 hours to enhance aroma extraction. Around 90% of the must ferments in stainless steel vats, and approximately 10% in oak casks to add a touch of complexity. The wine was bottled in mid-2023, allowing freshness to remain intact.
Serve well chilled (8-10 °C). This white is beautifully suited for shellfish, grilled or poached fish, seafood salads, or light Mediterranean starters. It also complements creamy cheeses or dishes with gentle herbal or citrus accents.
The 2023 vintage has earned praise for its style, notably cited for its aromatic intensity, balanced acidity, and how well the fruit and herbal tones are integrated. Reviewers celebrate its freshness, clarity of fruit, and its long, clean finish.
This wine stands out when you want something more than just “a summer white.” It offers complexity and personality, stone fruit, citrus, florals, but with enough freshness and precision that it doesn’t feel over-worked. Its blend of vineyards adds nuance and weight, and though it’s refreshing now, there’s enough structure to appreciate it over the short term. It’s very good value for a white with this level of aromatic richness and finesse.
