Scala Coeli Branco Encruzado 2023 – Alentejo 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 intensive vineyard management. Although there were no major diseases, mite pressure was high. While much of Europe experienced intense heatwaves, Portugal saw a milder start to summer. Low night-time temperatures created a wide temperature range, allowing white varieties in general, as well as the earlier-ripening red varieties, to mature quickly, evenly and in balance, while preserving excellent acidity. The intense heat in August made the end of the harvest more difficult, calling for greater patience and care in the vineyard. The later-ripening varieties benefited from the cooler nights in October, achieving very high-quality ripeness levels that fully expressed 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. The grapes were optically sorted automatically, then pressed, with the low-pressure must fraction selected for clarification (static, by gravity at a low temperature). Fermentation took place exclusively in stainless steel tanks. No malolactic fermentation was carried out. All movement of grapes and must was carried out by gravity to preserve the raw material’s integrity and quality potential.

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

Recommended drinking window: 2025 to 2035

Serving temperature: 12 ºC

Tasting Note: Pale green colour. Delicate, restrained aromas, with a base of vegetal and floral notes, slightly citrusy, white fruit, tea, a hint of flint and struck match, and a good mineral presence, though subtle. The balance stands out between the elegant fruit, with some creaminess from the fine lees, and firm acidity, revealing very well-achieved ripeness in the Encruzado variety in the Alentejo.

Winemakers: Pedro Baptista | Duarte Lopes

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