Julia Harding MW, Tasting Notes
Excerpt from Julia Harding, Amphora Day – The Joy of Clay
“By the time I got to the Belém stand at the end of the tasting, many of the wines had been tasted so enthusiastically that only this one was left, poured by co-owner Catarina Moreira. This urban winery was established in a former car repair shop in the Belém district of Lisbon. See their website for the timeline that brought her and her partner David Picard there. They describe themselves as ‘winemakers, academics, travellers, parents and storytellers’.
Moscatel Graúdo is a synonym for Muscat of Alexandria in Portugal. Grapes are from Palmela but vinified at their urban winery in Lisbon, hence Vinho de Portugal. Picked late October. Spontaneous fermentation to dryness in amphora (220 litres). Destemmed, three months on skins and goes through malo. They line the amphora with pez.
Grapey aroma and smells sweet even though it’s a dry wine. Dry on the palate with grape and oranges flavours. Light tannins and very good acidity. A very interesting wine – sweet flavours in a dry wine. Highly aromatic on the nose and the palate.
15.5% Drink 2021 – 2025″