Folias de Baco 2023 Uivo Renegado Vinhas Velhas

The Renegado is back! This is a fascinating field blend of 25 different indigenous Portuguese varieties planted 80 years ago on steep slopes of schist and granite. The blend is ~50% white varieties, mainly Gouveio, Abigato, Donzelinho, Malvasia Fina, Viosinho, and 50% reds, Rufete, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca, Mourisco, Tinta Roriz. All varieties are hand-harvested separately at their peak, sorted in the vineyeard, and macerated whole cluster for three days. Fermentation occurs in large granite lagers, and then the wine is aged for six months in cement, with 15% in two-year old chestnut oak. This would not only be a candidate for serving chilled, it's pretty much a prerequisite! -EL