Monte Branco New Vineyards White 2022

Monte Branco Vinhas Novas Branco 2022 presents a vibrant and mineral profile, accurately expressing the identity of the Arinto, Esgana Cão, Rabigato and Galego Dourado grape varieties. On the nose, it reveals a great aromatic impact, dominated by notes of flint and silex, accompanied by 'nuances' of white flowers and citrus peel. On the palate, it maintains a light structure, but without losing density, marked by a lively and electric acidity, although well integrated. Fermentation in stainless steel and barrel contributes to its tension and crunchy texture, prolonging a refreshing and precise finish. Still young, it suggests great potential for evolution with some time in the bottle.

The Wine Advocate
RP 92
Reviewed by: Luis Gutierrez

The Vinhas Novas Branco 2022 has a golden yellow color, slightly cloudy, and a nose full of personality, with some milky and biscuit notes, pollen, herbs and wildflowers. It is vibrant, tasty and balanced, with an almost salty finish. It was produced from a blend of 30% Arinto, 30% Esgana Cão, 20% Rabigato and 20% Galego Dourado, from vineyards planted in 2017, with 50% of the volume fermented and matured in barrels and the remainder in stainless steel. It has remarkable acidity and contained maturation and alcohol content (11.8%), with a focus on stony minerality. 2,000 bottles were produced. It was bottled in August 2023.

Luis Louro is the son of Miguel Louro, from Quinta do Mouro. He created Adega Monte Branco in 2004, in Estremoz, after two years of acquiring land, planting and buying vineyards. He does not use herbicides and has increasingly focused on native grape varieties. He works a total of 28 hectares divided into five plots, all in Estremoz, the oldest of which was planted in 1993.