Foral de Évora White 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 extremely challenging, requiring highly intensive 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. Low nighttime temperatures provided a wide thermal range, enabling rapid, homogeneous and balanced ripening in white varieties in general, as well as in earlier-ripening red varieties, preserving excellent levels of acidity. The intense heat in August made the end of the harvest difficult, requiring greater patience and precision 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, 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 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: Pale green-gold colour. Elegant and warm, discreet aroma, with white fruit, citrus and some dried herbs. Light notes of flint and struck match, with a pronounced mineral character. Full-bodied on the palate, with well-balanced acidity and highly enveloping ripe fruit. The finish combines fruit with a vigorous vegetal character, providing a long and highly distinctive finish.

Winemakers: Pedro Baptista | Duarte Lopes

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