Foral de Évora White 2023 – DOC Alentejo–Évora

Vines: 30 years old

Soil type: Granitic

Analytical data: Alcohol (%): 13.0 | Total acidity (g/l tartaric acid): 5.5 | pH: 3.44 | Total sugars (g/l): 0.8

Energy value: 77 kcal/ml (321kJ/100ml)

Harvest: In addition to being dry, 2023 was an extremely challenging year, requiring intensive vineyard management. Although there were no major diseases, mite pressure was high. With intense heatwaves across much of Europe, Portugal experienced a milder start to summer. Low night-time temperatures created a wide diurnal range, allowing white varieties in general, as well as earlier-ripening red varieties, to ripen quickly, evenly and in balance, while preserving excellent acidity levels. The intense heat in August made the end of the harvest more difficult, requiring greater patience and precision in the vineyard. Later-ripening varieties benefited from the cooler nights in October, achieving very high-quality ripeness levels that showcased the full expression of the Alentejo region’s harsh and unique terroir.

Winemaking: Hand-picked, then the grapes were cooled to 12ºC. Whole-bunch pressing (gravity-fed loading of the press), with the free-run and low-pressure must fractions selected for clarification. Fermentation took place exclusively in stainless steel tanks, using neutral yeasts to preserve the authenticity and expression of the Alentejo terroir. No malolactic fermentation was carried out.

Aging: In tank for 12 months on fine lees, with bâtonnage.

Recommended drinking window: 2025 to 2030

Serving temperature: 10ºC to 12ºC Tasting note: Straw-green colour. Elegant and warm, subtle aromas of white fruit, citrus and a hint of dried herbs. Delicate flint and matchstick notes, with a distinct mineral character. Full-bodied on the palate, with balanced acidity and beautifully enveloping ripe fruit. The finish brings together fruit and a vibrant vegetal note, leading to a long, characterful finish.

Winemakers: Pedro Baptista | Duarte Lopes

Note on the technical sheet and vintage: This description is based on the latest technical sheet made available by Fundação Eugénio de Almeida. The vintage offered for sale is the one shown in the title and in the “Vintage” field (2023), subject to stock availability. If in doubt, please contact us before purchasing to confirm.