Conceito Único Branco 2019

Conceito Único Branco 2019 is a cult wine from the Douro, made by Conceito Vinhos under winemaker Rita Marques. It's considered an extraordinarily rare wine, from a plot of very old, pre-phylloxera vines.

The Wine Advocate
RP 91

Reviewed by: Mark Squires

The 2019 Único Branco is a field blend (with typical grapes such as Rabigato, Códega, Códega do Larinho, Cerceal, Gouveio, Donzelinho Branco, Arinto, Folgazão, Sémillon and others) from century-old vines at 600 metres. It aged for 10 months in 30% new French oak and comes in at 13.1% alcohol.

On the nose it shows a light smoky touch similar to that seen in the estate's Branco in this set of tastings, but here it's a relatively subtle nuance in the background. Otherwise it's fresh and elegant. This understated Branco integrates the oak superbly, and its fruit lingers pleasantly on a lively, bright finish.

All the vineyards are certified organic.

Published: 12 November 2020

Conceito Único Branco 2019 stood out remarkably in the review by Grandes Escolhas, achieving an impressive 19 out of 20 points, a distinction reserved for wines of absolute excellence.

In their sensory analysis, the critics describe a wine of striking elegance and vibrant youth, with uncommon finesse. The aromatic profile shows a strong mineral component, with hints of damp vegetation, moss and dew. Fruit and oak appear only in the background, perfectly integrated and discreet.

On tasting it stands out for its precision and freshness, with well-defined citrus character and a dry profile. On the palate it builds in depth and intensity, ending in a long finish supported by lively, sophisticated acidity.

It's a white of great class, combining structure and creaminess in balance, and showing remarkable ageing potential, estimated at more than two decades.