Filipa Pato Flos Castanea Branco 2022/2023

Filipa Pato Flos Castanea Branco is a natural, artisanal white from Portugal's Bairrada region, created by renowned producer Filipa Pato and sommelier William Wouters. Its name ("Flos Castanea" means chestnut flower in Latin) comes from its unique preservation method: it has no added sulphites, with chestnut flowers used as a natural preservative.

The Wine Advocate
RP 93

Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez

The new 2022 Flos Castanea white is inspired by Quinta da Palmirinha, using chestnut flowers instead of sulphur, hence the name. It was made with Bical from 40-year-old vines in the village of Óis do Barro (the same as Nossa Calcário). It fermented destemmed but in contact with the skins, in an open lagar for two weeks, was pressed and matured in 500-litre oak barrels and amphorae for a year.

It has a slightly darker amber colour and a nose marked by the process; skin contact tends to give wines with yellow fruit and fine tannins. It's a little wild in a "natural" way, with floral notes mixed with the grape's classic pear aromas and the mineral austerity of Bairrada whites from limestone soils. On the palate it's delicate, with 12.3% alcohol, remarkable acidity and freshness, a pH of 3.2 and a touch of volatility.

1,155 bottles were produced, bottled in October 2023.