Cas’Amaro, ‘Mitologia’ Encruzado 2022

£25.99

Encruzado is commonly considered Portugal’s finest white grape variety, largely due to its ability to produce richly textured, full-bodied whites (a far cry from the more commonly exported Vinho Verde). It is a variety that buds relatively early, providing ample time to accumulate sugars. The majority of plantings are in Dão, where higher altitudes and granite soils help to slow the ripening in Portugal’s otherwise warm climate, allowing retention of necessary acidity.

This example has all of the poise and class to be expected, with a rich array of orchard fruit flavours, alongside intense lemon zest and peel notes. The wine spends six months in new barrels adding further texture and structure and a little coconut sweetness, but this is perfectly balanced by fresh red apple, melon and peach flavours, zippy, mouthwatering acidity, and touch of hard herb notes to finish.