Curtimenta 2023

Astonishing long-maceration wine, given a full year on skins in a single amphora. Blending local varietals Fernão Pires, Arinto and Castelão with a little Sauvignon Blanc, this is a deep, complex amber wine that speaks clearly of the clay vessel in which it was made. Richly concentrated, full of apricot stone fruit and spice, with a dense, mouth-coating palate. This is one to open and enjoy its evolution in the glass. It has that distinct quality one associates with the best examples of amphora wines - something timeless, that might have been drunk in a different era altogether. Aromatic layers, tannins filed down to a fine grain, diffused edges and a cool, elemental character. A simple, alchemic vinification; destemmed grapes were crushed and the juice and skins filled the amphora, where the wine remained untouched for 12 months, then was bottled with no additions at any stage.