{"product_id":"2022-herdade-do-sobroso-elevage-branco","title":"2022 Herdade do Sobroso Elevage Branco","description":"\u003cp\u003e2022 Herdade do Sobroso Élevage Branco is the flagship white from this riverside estate in Alentejo, crafted in tiny quantities only in the very best vintages. Sourced from old, south-facing vineyards on schist-clay soils and aged in traditional amphora, it marries Portuguese character with a level of refinement that can stand shoulder to shoulder with top white Burgundy. The estate’s unique position by the Guadiana River and the Rio dos Patos, combined with rare maritime influence in this part of Alentejo, gives a freshness and precision that sets this wine apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2022 Élevage Branco shows a luminous, pale golden hue with subtle green reflections, signaling both ripeness and vibrant acidity. The nose is complex and layered: aromas of citrus zest, lime blossom and grapefruit peel mingle with ripe stone fruits such as white peach and apricot. With air, more exotic nuances emerge—brioche, a delicate hint of toast, and a light, almost creamy note that plays beautifully against the wine’s mineral core.\n\nOn the palate, the wine is at once fresh and textural. A clean, saline minerality and lively acidity frame flavors of citrus, nectarine and yellow plum, with that subtle brioche and a whisper of oak-like complexity coming not from barrels, but from its amphora élevage. The mouthfeel is precise yet generous, with excellent length and a persistent, stony finish. Already highly enjoyable now, this is a white with serious structure and balance; it has the backbone and concentration to age gracefully for at least 10 years or more, gaining further complexity and depth over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe grapes for Élevage Branco—primarily Antão Vaz and Perrum—come from carefully chosen south-facing parcels rooted in schist-clay soils in Vidigueira, one of Portugal’s oldest and most historically important wine areas. The estate’s vineyards lie along the Guadiana River and its tributary, the Rio dos Patos, which provide a reliable water source and help buffer the region’s warm, sunny climate. This part of Alentejo is uniquely influenced by the nearby Atlantic, allowing for a slower, healthier ripening of the grapes. The fruit is harvested entirely by hand and rigorously sorted down to the individual berry to ensure only the finest quality makes it into the wine. Fermentation takes place in traditional ‘lagar’ with strict temperature control to preserve aromatic purity, after which the wine is aged for 12 months in amphora with weekly bâtonnage. This traditional clay vessel allows gentle oxygen exchange similar to oak, but without imparting any woody flavors—resulting in a wine that expresses a very pure, honest character of fruit and terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a gastronomic white built for the table. It pairs beautifully with traditional Portuguese meat dishes—think slow-roasted pork, spicy chouriço, or herb-crusted lamb—as well as rich poultry, veal, and deeply flavored fish dishes like bacalhau com natas. It also shines alongside mature, hard cheeses and semi-soft, nutty styles. Serve at around 10–12°C (50–54°F) to balance freshness and aromatic expression. In its youth, open or decant the wine at least 30–60 minutes in advance and pour into a large, Burgundy-style glass to allow the full range of aromas and textures to unfold.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHerdade do Sobroso is located in the historic Vidigueira subregion of Alentejo, an area with winemaking roots dating back to Roman times. The estate’s vineyards benefit from a privileged position along the Guadiana River and the Rio dos Patos—celebrated on the labels by the emblematic ducks—which provide both water security and a unique microclimate rarely found elsewhere in Alentejo. Combining traditional Portuguese varieties and methods with meticulous vineyard work and modern precision, Herdade do Sobroso has earned a reputation for producing distinctive, high-quality wines that reflect their riverside terroir. Élevage Branco, made only in limited quantities from the estate’s best parcels, is considered their top white cuvée and a benchmark for what contemporary Alentejo whites can achieve.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Herdade do Sobroso","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54251809866065,"sku":"GCW-HERD-22209","price":94.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/2022_Herdade_do_Sobroso_Elevage_Branco.png?v=1783441566","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/2022-herdade-do-sobroso-elevage-branco","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}