Quinta de Chocapalha Reserva Branco 2024

Chocapalha lies in the hills of Alenquer, north of Lisbon and close enough to the Atlantic that the sea air keeps everything fresh. The estate belongs to the Tavares da Silva family and the wines are made by Sandra Tavares da Silva, who is also behind Wine and Soul in the Douro. She has a light touch and a clear preference for tension over weight. The Reserva white is led by Arinto, a variety that holds its acidity in heat better than almost anything else in Portugal. Fermented and aged in barrel, so there is a gentle creamy texture and a hint of toast, but the oak sits behind the fruit rather than over it. Lemon peel, white peach and a nutty, saline finish. A good alternative to white Burgundy at a fraction of the outlay. Roast chicken, grilled fish with olive oil, or salt cod done any way you like.