Brisa Suave - 'Explosivo' - Sezão - Minho, PT - 2023 - 1000ml

@quintadasarcas

Notes from the Winery/Importer

Explosivo was created to showcase a style of red wine that has been in high demand recently in the US market: chillable, uncomplicated red wine. It features one of the region's native grapes, Vinhão, made in a style that complements its liter-sized bottle: juicy and fresh (despite its dark, inky color) rather than tannic and intense, which is the typical style in the region. Its light fizz appeals to Lambrusco drinkers (a well-recognized style of wine in the US), offering a much drier and more savory profile. The name and label refer to its "explosive" mouthfeel. Tasting notes: Fresh dark fruits (dark wild berries, plums), with an herbal and leafy touch. It has deep and dark flavors, followed by bright acidity and a slight fizz.

Country:
Portugal
How much so2 added:
Free SO2: 35g/dm3
Climate:
Topographically, the region is "a vast amphitheater which, starting at the coast, gradually climbs in elevation towards the interior" (Amorim Girão, Portuguese geographer), exposing the entire area to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, a phenomenon reinforced by the orientation of the valleys of the main rivers, which run east to west and facilitate penetration of the sea winds. This Atlantic influence, mostly granitic soils, mild climate and high rainfall, are reflected in the freshness, lightness and elegance of the wines of this region.
Harvest Technique:
Hand harvested
Soil:
granitic soils
Fermentation:
Grapes are fully destemmed and undergo immediate complete carbonic maceration. Wine then goes into malolactic fermentation.
Elevage:
none
Winemaker Name:
Fernando Machado and Henrique Lopes
Filtration:
Yes
Fining:
No
Producer Website:
https://www.quintadasarcas.com/pt/
Total Production:
7,200 bottles
Sustainable Certificates:
Integrated Prodction
Sustainable Practice:
Yes

Notes on the Producer

Esteves Monteiro established Quinta das Arcas in the 1980s, leveraging his experience from the previous decade in reorganizing family farms, focusing on land consolidation and modern viticulture techniques. Quinta das Arcas has been committed to minimizing its environmental footprint. The estate, which spans over 200 hectares in the Vinho Verde Region, introduced its first organic wine in 2012.

In the early 21st century, Monteiro embarked on a new venture in Alentejo, a region 400 kilometers south known for its unique microclimate conducive to producing exceptional wines. This modern winery, Herdade Penedo Gordo, is nestled among 120 acres of vineyards and is renowned for producing some of the finest wines in Borba. Quinta das Arcas is EVU Vegan Certified (European Vegetarian Union)- Certified Organic and comes in Liter bottles.
Additional Details:

• Producer: Quinta Das Arcas
• Varietals: Loureiro, Arinto, Trajadura, Espadeiro, Touriga Nacional, Vinhao
• Sustainable Practices: Integrated Production