The 207-hectare Quinta da Fonte Souto was acquired by the Symington family in 2017 and is their first vineyard outside the Douro. Lying on the slopes of the São Mamede Range at an altitude of 500 metres in the Alentejo sub-region of Portalegre, the property benefits from cooler and wetter conditions than the hot Alentejo plain. The Fonte Souto wines express the freshness and elegance provided by the altitude, as well as the structure and complexity from the estate’s extensive collection of mature, low-yielding vines.
WINEMAKERS
Charles Symington, Pedro Correia and José Daniel Soares.
GRAPE VARIETIES
80% Arinto
20% Verdelho
AGEING
Four months in stainless steel vats with minimal contact with oxygen in order to preserve the wine’s aromatic freshness. Bottled in February 2021.
STORAGE & SERVING
Ready to drink but will develop favourably in bottle for a further 2 to 3 years.
TASTING NOTE
Seductive aromas of pineapple and apricot preserve with subtle background notes of wildflowers and sea breeze. The palate is wonderfully fresh, punctuated by stony minerality and citric verve, a characteristic of the Arinto — the predominant variety in this blend. Pineapple is again present in the mouth, as well as Gala apple flavours.
WINE SPECIFICATIONS
Alcohol: 13.7% vol.
Volatile acidity: 0.4 g/L (acetic acid)
Total acidity: 5.9 g/L (tartaric acid)
pH: 3.32
Total sugars (gluc+fruct): 0.5 g/L
Allergy advice: Contains Sulphites. Compatible with vegetarian and vegan diets
