mateus nicolau de almeida + teresa Ameztoy, douro, portugal
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You may know Mateus Nicolau d' Almeida and Teresa Ameztoy as the winemakers behind the O Tinto Perfeito O Clarete. We have so enjoyed getting to know them while collaborating on the project and this is just one of the reasons we are thrilled to welcome them officially to the Selection Massale book. Mateus is a fifth generation winemaker in the Douro. He and Teresa work in a wine cellar they call Shad’s Winery (Alosa Alosa), named after the fish that crossed the Douro River from the Atlantic Ocean, a reality impossible today due to the construction of the dams. Everything produced there is organic and biodynamic, with the goal in mind of showcasing different perspectives and approaches to the vineyard. Mateus and Teresa’s wines are incredibly precise, complex, fresh, and terroir-driven. We have enjoyed sharing them with friends and look forward to now sharing them with you.
AOC: Douro
Viticulture: Certified Organic and biodynamic
Viticulture: Certified Organic and biodynamic
WINES
Eremitas Antao do Deserto 2021- Rabigato from the Douro Superior (Mediterranean/Continental climate), south facing in schist soil from the Desejosa Formation. Grapes are from the Antão do Deserto – a parcel featuring deep soil with proximity to a stream at 350 meters of altitude. The grapes go directly into a calcatórium (granite basin)
followed by a 3 hours foot trodding. They press them in a vertical press where the juice runs by gravity to concrete vats in the underground cellar with optimal natural temperature and humidity. Spontaneous fermentation is done without temperature control. The wine ages 1 year in concrete tanks. Pale yellow color. Gentle aroma with clear apricot notes and floral undertones. On the palate, it presents a rich and enveloping texture, leading to a lingering finish. |
Cima Corgo Tinto 2022- A field blend of old vines from Cima Corgo, the intermediate region, between Baixo Corgo and Douro Superior. Schist soils with Fermentation and aging for 8 months in concrete tank. Dark cherry hue. Bouquet of ripe red fruits, with a hint of damp earth. Complexity on the palate, unveiling layers of flavors.
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Porto Lagrima Branco 500ml NV- Made with grapes from their old vineyard, which they work organically and is planted with 30 varieties of old grapes, 15 white and 15 red. In the white grapes, the variety that dominates is Rabigato, a local variety adapted to the hot climate of Foz Côa. There are other varieties such as Malvasia fina, Dona Branca, Alicante white, Rabo de ovelha, Carrega, Códega, Pagadívidas…The Lágrima category is the sweetest of the white Port categories, and it is also the most lush and fragrant. The vinification is done in concrete tanks with half crushed grapes and all whole bunches. When the fermentation starts they crush by foot the graves and then they press in a vertical press before fortifying. This wine is all aged in Port Wine barrels “pipas” and concrete tanks. The average age is 4 years. Golden hue. Profound aroma, with hints of ripe fruits, featuring figs and quinces, along with notes of dried fruits. On the palate, it unveils opulence and generosity while maintaining remarkable balance and an abundance of exceptional flavors.
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Porto Ruby Seco Tinto 500ml NV- Also from the old vineyard. The red grapes include varieties such as Tinta da Barca, Tinta Pomar, Rufete, Casculho, Tinta Patorra, Tinta Nevoeiro, Mourisco Semente, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz, Barroca, Mourisco, etc… This Dry Ruby category is very unique due to its low sugar content (about half that of a typical Port wine). The fermentation is carried out in traditional “lagar” with whole grapes, trodden by foot and pressed in a vertical press before fortifying. It is aged in Port Wine barrels and cement vats. The average age is 5 years.
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