In the Basto sub-region, summers are very hot and dry, which give the grapes produced there a high sugar concentration, which, in turn, originates wines with a high alcohol content. 2020’s summer was not atypical.

During the harvest, which takes about one month, we set the harvest time of the different grape varieties according to its perfect maturation stage and we give priority to certain plots. The Arinto grape variety plot which gave rise to this wine was one of the last plots harvested and, once it did not have the irrigation system installed, the grapes were dehydrated at the harvest time, which led to a higher sugar and acidity concentration. When we received the grapes in the winery, we measured the potential alcohol and we were quite surprised when we discovered it was 17%!

An important aspect has to be clarified: there was no specific reason to this plot be one of the last ones harvested, which implies that the production of this type of wine was not in our original plan. At that time, the winemaking team gathered and decided that it would be very interesting if they make something different from this raw material. So, they put the grape must in a separated vat and let it ferment naturally. The fermentation started and, when the ABV reached the 10,5%, they stopped the fermentation by decreasing the temperature inside the vat.

By making this experience, we obtained a wine with a sugar content of approximately 75 grams per liter and an alcohol content of 10,5%. Although it is a sweet wine, aspect that contributed for its denomination (Dulce, which means “sweet”), it is a wine that surprises with its freshness, distinctive characteristic of the Arinto grape variety. Powerful with unique, fruity, exotic and refreshing citrus aromas on the nose, Quinta de Santa Cristina Dulce pairs amazingly with spicy dishes like Indian and Asian food, seafood with intense flavor, foie gras and all desserts. As an aperitif, we recommend serving at a temperature between 6 and 8⁰C.

Great Wine Make Great Memories

O conteúdo Dulce, just what we needed! aparece primeiro em Quinta de Santa Cristina.

After several years of experiences, we decided to launch a brand new wine which is totally different from all the others included in our portfolio: a single wine made 100% from the Sauvignon Blanc French grape variety.

This grape variety is original from Bordeaux and Loire Valley wine regions, in France, and it is one of the most planted in the whole world, for about 200,000 hectares of vineyards.

And why did we choose this grape variety?
To highlight the versatility of the Basto sub-region and the Vinho Verde region, showing the great developing potential of this variety in Quinta de Santa Cristina’s terroir. Besides its prestige around the world, which is, of course, an advantage, Sauvignon Blanc is a very well-known grape variety, making its wines long lasting in the mouth and in the memory of those who try them.

Regarding its ampelographic characteristics, Sauvignon Blanc presents outlined leaves and medium, compact and conic bunches with yellowish berries. It has an early maturation, being one of the first grapes harvested. After the selection of the best bunches and the entry in the winery, the grape must ferments at controlled temperature in order to preserve its delicate aromas. Then, this wine ages for some time in acacia barrels, which gives it some complexity, but without hiding the grape’s essence.

At the tasting moment, Sauvignon Blanc surprises with its elegance, but at the same time, with its complexity and its intensity in the mouth. Citrus-like white, this wine enhances its floral and some spicy notes on the nose. In the mouth, it is intense, with some structure, fresh and with a long and pleasant finish.

Quinta de Santa Cristina Sauvignon Blanc is perfect to pair with delicate fish, as turbot or fresh cod, and some shellfish, as oysters or squid. It is also a good idea pairing it with cheeses not too cured.

Are you excited to try it?

You can get your Quinta de Santa Cristina Sauvignon Blanc soon and enjoy a good moment side by side!

Great Wines Make Great Memories

O conteúdo Sauvignon Blanc is the Quinta de Santa Cristina family’s new member aparece primeiro em Quinta de Santa Cristina.

The first step is the grapes harvest. To produce this wine, we had selected the best Alvarinho grapes. After multiple tastings and exchange of views between our winemakers, we started the vinification, which the fermentation took place in stainless steel vats at controlled temperature. After the fermentation process and a short period of time “resting” in the vats, we put the wine inside French oak barrels for 7 months with batonnage in the first 30 days. After the aging time, we began working on the bottling and labelling, both processes totally done totally by the careful hands of our workers. After filling the bottles with this precious liquid and putting the cork, they were ready to go to the next step – the labelling. All this process required a lot of accuracy, from the seal on the neck of the bottle and the stamp on top of the neck, the placement of the tape, until the application of the label and the back label.

Everything had been thought carefully, from the box and bottle’s choice until the tones and textures of the label.

About the color, we picked black, synonym of prestige and luxury that expresses timelessness. We want this wine to result in every occasion, since more serious celebrations until friends’ gatherings.

Tasting Notes

Well-defined aromas, refined and elegant. Hints of orange and tangerine paired with a very soft toast from the French oak. In the mouth, it feels deep and creamy, full-bodied, with subtle citric acidity. A very complex white from the World, elegant and sophisticated.

As the name says, Reserve it in your memory!

Great Wines Make Great Memories

O conteúdo Every detail tells a story… aparece primeiro em Quinta de Santa Cristina.