2016 Quinta do Pinto, Vinhas do Lasso Branco, Arinto/Fernão Pires, Colheita Selecionada, Alenquer DOC, Portugal -photo grapelive

2016 Quinta do Pinto, Vinhas do Lasso Branco, Arinto/Fernão Pires, Colheita Selecionada, Alenquer DOC, Portugal.
The Vinhas do Lasso by Quinto do Pinto is an all native yeast fermented white blend of 50% Arinto, one of Portugal’s most interesting and structured white grapes and 50% Fernão Pires, one of the rarest, also known as Maria Gomes, and prized for its spicy and exotic aromatics. Grown on the cool Atlantic west coast in the greater Lisbon or Lisboa area, the “Lasso” shows a bright character and crisp intensity with a slightly tropical note, saline freshness and mineral charm. Quinta do Pinto, like many Rhone style whites uses traditional cement vats for both fermentation and aging on this Lasso which allows purity in flavors and a lovely textural quality in this stylish white. The 2016 is a very pretty wine with a mix of citrus, including tangerine and lemon/lime, white flowers, peach and hints of mango as well as a layer of spices along with a touch of wet stones. The natural acidity adds life and vitality here in this Lasso, making for a steely crisp white that goes great with shellfish and is a great Summer sipper with loads of style and refreshment.

As noted by their US importer, Banville Wine Merchants (Winebow), Quinta do Pinto is a family-owned estate located just north of the coastal Portuguese capital of Lisbon, and was originally established in the 17th Century, though risen in more recent times while it has been owned by the Cardoso-Pinto family, who took over the estate about a 100 years ago. The Cardoso-Pinto’s are dedicated to a more natural approach in the vineyard and in the cellar, working sustainably, they believe in respect for terroir and minimal intervention in (their) winemaking. The influenced by the cool Ocean and the climate the wine have a vibrant and elegant profile. Soils here are Jurassic clay and limestone, and the Quinta do Pinto wines are crafted from only local varietals that include Touriga Nacional and Arinto, among others, and aged solely in concrete. This are honest and authentic wines, especially the Vinhas do Lasso Branco, which is much more serious than one would imagine (for the ridiculous price) and more interesting than most Vinho Verde, enjoy this beauty with seafoods and over the next 3 to 5 years.
($15 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive

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