Wine talk
Arvad Late Harvest 2023
Known for its varied interpretations of the Negra Mole grape, Arvad has launched its rarest yet: a Late Harvest.
The wine, produced only in exceptional years, is made from carefully selected, hand-harvested grapes, some of which are dried on traditional mats using the passito method to concentrate sugar, acidity and aroma.
After foot-treading and fermentation in small vats, the wine ages for 30 months in new 150-litre French oak barrels, developing depth, elegance and remarkable ageing potential.
With notes of dried apricots, smoked hazelnuts and a dash of Christmassy spices, Arvad’s Late Harvest 2023 (€62) is a singular, intense and sophisticated expression of Negra Mole.
Vida Vinha Fonte Salgada White
This is the sort of wine that feels like uncovering a secret. Produced in tiny quantities in the hills above Tavira by a Danish couple, with guidance from winemaker Dinis Gonçalves, it tastes as handcrafted as its story suggests.
Arinto leads with zesty citrus and mouthwatering freshness, softened by a touch of Antão Vaz, whilst a subtle saline note hints at the nearby Atlantic. Beneath, a chalky, schist-driven minerality adds finesse and length.
Foottrodden, slowly fermented and aged in French oak on fi ne lees, Vida Vinha’s Fonte Salgada white (€36) is a precise, soulful white that captures the Algarve’s coastal light in the glass.
Quinta do Francês 2021 Red Blend
The French-style winery Quinta do Francês presents its 2021 Red blend (€16), a Gold Medal winner at the 11th National Wine Competition in Albufeira.
From the terraced slopes of the Odelouca Valley in the Algarve, it blends Portuguese and international varieties, reflecting the warm climate with Old World finesse.
Aged in new French oak, it shows a dark ruby colour and notes of wild black fruits, rock rose, spice, cocoa, and dried herbs. The palate is harmonious, with polished tannins, fresh acidity, and discreet oak. This is a rounded, elegant wine whose length and balance invite a second glass.
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