Cabecas Do Reguengo 'Vira Cabecas' Branco - White Blend

2021

White Blend

Alentejo, Portugal

Professional ballet dancer Joao Afonso received a book on making wine from his wife in 1983, and since then "he never again stopped thinking about wine but stopped thinking about pirouettes." In 2009, when he found the century-old vineyards at the base of the Serra de Sao Mamede the agritourism estate of Cabecas do Reguengo was born. Rather than pulling all the vines and replanting, the vineyards are being restored by grafting new vines in to replace those which are no longer able to produce fruit. Mixing several different varieties of vines together in the traditional square formations helps to unify the influences of sun, rain, soil, and wind creating a singular microclimate.The vineyards are surrounded by olive tree groves and native fruit trees which are acclimatised to the hot, dry summers of Alentejo. Vegetable gardens dot the property, and sheep and chickens roam, all in the interest in creating a biodiverse & harmonious growing environment conducive to organic farming. This blend of native grapes is hand-harvested from several small, centuries-old plots. Natural fermentation is used, and the wine is aged for 12 months in very old, large oak casks. This wine is unfined and unfiltered, intended to express the teroir of Serra de Sao Mamede. The honeyed character is punctuated by flavors of baked pears and apples. Orange and chamomile and just a touch of creaminess on the finish will pair well with clams in a cream sauce.