Morgado do Quintão Branco de Tintas de Negra Mole 2023

The most exciting and authentic wines of the Algarve, and the largest collection of old vines in the region, organically farmed, are found at this family estate founded in the early 19th century (1810) by the 1st Count of Silves. Joana Maçanita and the 4th generation of the family, represented by Filipe Caldas de Vasconcellos, work exclusively with indigenous grape varieties and native yeasts, employing ancestral methods or minimal intervention to rediscover the true potential of the Algarve. At another historic estate dating back to the 12th century in Tomar, the family—advised by João Nunes—revives with the same emotion the wines once created by the Marquise of Tomar in the 19th century.

Wine:

A rare and intriguing white wine made from red grapes — a pure expression of Algarve terroir.

Region and Grape Variety

Region: Algarve (Vinho Regional Algarve)
Grape variety: 100% Negra Mole (vinified as a white)
Classification: Branco de Tintas (Blanc de Noirs)
Viticulture: Manual, with minimal intervention

Vinification

This singular wine is the result of direct pressing of red Negra Mole grapes, fermented at controlled temperature in neutral French oak barrels, with no added sulphur dioxide until the end of fermentation. A 6-month aging period with regular bâtonnage adds volume and complexity.

Spontaneous fermentation with no initial SO₂
Aged for 6 months in neutral barrels with bâtonnage

Tasting Notes

Pale yellow in color with coppery reflections. On the nose, delicate notes of fresh cherry, brioche, and a subtle floral nuance emerge. On the palate, this is a white wine of great texture and depth, with saline minerality and a firm structure. A modern and challenging interpretation of the potential of Negra Mole.

Technical Data

Alcohol: 11.5%
Residual sugar: 0.6 g/L
Production: 2,100 bottles (750 ml)
Winemaker: Joana Maçanita
Serving temperature: 8–10 °C

Pairings

Excellent with oysters, raw clams, tuna tataki, or dishes with Japanese influence. Its texture also allows it to pair well with lightly smoked dishes or elements of truffle.