Susana Esteban Foudre Branco 2024 is one of the most exclusive and sought-after white wines produced in Portugal today. Crafted by acclaimed winemaker Susana Esteban, this remarkable wine originates from an exceptional 80-year-old vineyard in the Serra de São Mamede, one of Portugal's most distinctive high-altitude wine regions.

Born in Galicia and established in the Alentejo since the late 1990s, Susana Esteban has become one of the most influential figures in contemporary Portuguese wine. Her work is defined by a relentless pursuit of authenticity, freshness and terroir expression. In 2011, she became the first woman to be named Winemaker of the Year in Portugal, and in 2022 she received the prestigious title of Producer of the Year, recognising her outstanding contribution to Portuguese wine.

Produced from a field blend of traditional varieties grown at approximately 700 metres of altitude, Foudre Branco seeks to capture the historical identity of the Serra de São Mamede's old vineyards through a meticulous and low-intervention approach.

Fermentation and ageing take place entirely in a rare Alsatian Foudre dating from 1961, with a capacity of 1,150 litres. The wine remains in this large oak vessel for 16 months, benefiting from gentle micro-oxygenation that enhances complexity, texture and depth while preserving purity of fruit and avoiding overt oak influence.

Foudre Branco occupies a unique place in the history of Portuguese wine. The inaugural 2018 vintage became the first Portuguese white wine ever awarded 100 points by Revista de Vinhos. The achievement was repeated with the 2022 vintage, making Foudre Branco the only Portuguese white wine to receive the publication's maximum score on both occasions it was submitted for review.

The nose is immediately captivating, combining the aromatic intensity of high-altitude old vines with the subtle influence of long ageing in ancient foudre. Layers of orchard fruit, citrus, floral notes and mineral nuances unfold with remarkable elegance and precision.

On the palate, the wine is broad, textured and deeply complex, yet retains extraordinary freshness and energy. A persistent mineral backbone and finely tuned acidity provide length, balance and impressive ageing potential. The finish is long, refined and exceptionally precise, reflecting both the vineyard's altitude and the meticulous craftsmanship behind the wine.

With only 1,350 bottles and 54 Magnums produced, Susana Esteban Foudre Branco 2024 is one of Portugal's rarest white wines, representing the pinnacle of modern Portuguese fine wine and one of the most ambitious expressions of the Serra de São Mamede terroir.

Food Pairing

An outstanding companion for premium seafood, lobster, turbot, grilled fish, fine poultry dishes and sophisticated vegetable-based cuisine. Its structure and complexity also make it an excellent choice for gastronomic tasting menus and long-aged cheeses.