Astronauta Vinho de Talha Branco, Portuguese wine
The Wine Advocate tasting notes
The 2016 Astronauta Vinho de Talha Branco is a field blend from old vines (80 years), mainly Roupeiro, aged in clay amphorae. This is the winemaker complicated process: "Total skin and stems fermented and clay aged. Orange Wine. Sealed inside with resin and honey wax, protected on top with olive oil, Roman style. [It spent] six months on amphora and 18 months on steel, with colour treatment and addition of new vintage lees while on steel."
This does not, happily, smell of pine resin or taste of clay. It does have a different demeanor, sturdy, honeyed and showing dried fruits without a trace of fruitiness or sweetness.
WINEMAKER
Aníbal Jose Coutinho Jose Piteira
CULTIVAR
Old Vines of Roupeiro, aka Siria
ALCOHOL
14,5 % vol.
WINEMAKING
Natural grappe entiere wine. Fermentation, red like, 6 months
in roman 1000 litres amphora. 1 year in stainless steel vat. 6 months
of bottle ageing.
TASTING NOTE AND PAIRING
Light golden. Complex yellow fruit, terracotta and earthy aromas.
Tender, fleshy, fresh, tannic and salivating, long natural creaminess.
Serve at 10ºC with cheese, pasta and pizza. All vegetarian dishes.
