Foral de Évora Branco 2023 – DOC Alentejo–Évora

Vines: 30 years old

Soil Type: Granite

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 highly interventionist viticulture. Although there were no major diseases, high mite pressure was felt. While much of Europe experienced intense heatwaves, Portugal saw a milder start to summer. Low nighttime temperatures created significant thermal amplitudes, allowing white varieties in general, as well as earlier-ripening red varieties, to achieve rapid, even and balanced ripening 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, reaching highly qualitative levels of ripeness that demonstrated the full expression of the severe and unique terroir of the Alentejo region.

Winemaking: Hand-harvested, followed by cooling the grapes to 12ºC. Whole-bunch pressing (press loaded by gravity), with selection of the free-run juice fraction and low pressure for clarification. Fermentation exclusively in stainless steel tanks, using neutral yeasts to preserve the authenticity and expression of the Alentejo terroir. No malolactic fermentation was carried out.

Ageing: In tank for 12 months, on fine lees with batonnage.

Recommended drinking period: 2025 to 2030

Serving temperature: 10ºC to 12ºC Tasting Note: Straw-green colour. Elegant and warm, discreet aroma, with white fruit, citrus and some dried herbs. Subtle notes of flint and phosphorus, with a pronounced mineral character. The palate is full-bodied, with well-balanced acidity and quite enveloping ripe fruit. It finishes with fruit and a vibrant vegetal character, providing a long, highly distinctive finish.

Winemaking: Pedro Baptista | Duarte Lopes

Note on the technical sheet and harvest: This description is based on the latest technical sheet provided by the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation. The harvest announced for sale is the one indicated in the title and in the «Harvest» field (2023), subject to available stock. If in doubt, please contact us before purchasing to confirm it.