Scala Coeli Branco Encruzado 2023 – Alentejano Regional Wine

Soil Type: Granite

Analytical data: Alcohol (%): 13.5 | Total acidity (g/l tartaric acid): 5.9 | pH: 3.27 | Total sugars (g/l): 0.8

Energy value: 76 kcal/100ml (319 kJ/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. With intense heatwaves across much of Europe, Portugal experienced a milder start to summer. The low nighttime temperatures provided large diurnal temperature ranges, allowing the white grape varieties in general, as well as the 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 difficult, requiring greater patience and rigour in the vineyard. The later-ripening varieties benefited from the cooler nights in October, with highly qualitative ripeness levels demonstrating the full expression of the severe and unique terroir of the Alentejo region.

Winemaking: Hand-harvested, with bunch selection, on 22 August 2023, followed by cooling the grapes to 12ºC. Automatic optical grape sorting, followed by pressing - with selection of the low-pressure must fraction for clarification (static clarification by gravity at low temperature). Fermentation exclusively in stainless steel tanks. No malolactic fermentation was carried out. All grape and must movement processes were carried out by gravity, seeking to preserve the maximum integrity of the raw material and its quality potential.

Aging: In stainless steel tanks, for 12 months on fine lees, with periodic bâtonnage.

Recommended drinking period: 2025 to 2035

Serving temperature: 12 ºC

Tasting note: Straw-green colour. Delicate and restrained aroma, based on vegetal and floral notes, slightly citrusy, white fruit, tea, some flint and phosphorus, with a good mineral presence, although subtle. The balance between the elegant fruit, with some creaminess from the fine lees, and the firm acidity stands out, revealing very successful ripening of the Encruzado variety in the Alentejo.

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 vintage offered for sale is the one indicated in the title and in the «Vintage» field (2023), subject to availability while stocks last. If in doubt, please contact us before purchasing to confirm it.