Three distinctive Algarve releases bring together Chardonnay, Syrah and a rare Swiss grape variety, Petite Arvine
A soft-spoken Chardonnay
In Porches, Quinta dos Capinhas has just released its 2024 Chardonnay Reserva (€15), a delicately oaked white that favours nuance over ostentation. The nose is quietly expressive, with herbal notes, suggestions of orange peel and restrained ripe yellow fruit, all framed by discreet, well-integrated oak. On the palate, the yellow fruit carries through, with nectarine emerging on the fi nish, lending grace and persistence.
A well-judged acidity counterpoints the wine’s creamy texture and gentle vanilla tones, resulting in a refi ned, poised Chardonnay that is still youthful and will reward a little further bottle age.
French influences
Since 2008, Quinta do Francês has been adding a distinctly French accent to the Algarve’s increasingly sophisticated wine scene, earning a reputation for Bordeaux-inspired reds of real character. This year sees the release of the new vintage of its single-varietal Quinta do Francês Syrah Terraços 2022 (€32).
Aged for 17 months in new French oak, it is a deep ruby wine with exuberant aromas of wild black berries, spice, cracked pepper, tobacco leaf and dark chocolate. On the palate, it is powerful yet polished, with ample structure, velvety tannins and an effortless elegance that carries through to a long, resonant fi nish.
An alpine rarity
On the left bank of the Arade River in Silves, something quite singular has been taking shape. Previously released under the name Sentidos Raros Branco, Quinta dos Sentidos has now unveiled the Algarve’s first officially recognised Petite Arvine single-varietal: Raros 2025 (€30). It marks a true milestone for the estate, which spent 3 years securing authorisation from the Wine Institute to display both this Swiss grape variety and the vintage on the label.
The wine is finally available – though in strictly limited quantity, with only 520 bottles produced. Capped in beeswax and bearing an amphora on the label, Raros 2025 is a fresh yet ample, gastronomic white with striking structure and a clear capacity to age.
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