Milimétrico 2016

Projeto Milimétrico — Precision at a Microscopic Scale

The Project

Projeto Milimétrico, located on the outskirts of Mafra, was born from the vision of Lucas De Souza and his pursuit of an utterly singular terroir. The estate, acquired in 1997, was initially intended to become a hotel; over time, that idea faded and the possibility of producing wine emerged with purpose.

From the outset, the project counted on the collaboration of Bernardo Pinto (director of Zahil in Brazil, DipWSET) and Jorge Lucki (a highly respected Lusophone wine critic and journalist), who guided the conceptual and technical development of the wines.

Between 1998 and 2006, structural work was undertaken and 4.4 hectares were planted across 12 clos, with more than 20 experimental grape varieties. In subsequent years, the vineyards were regrafted to the varieties that best communicated with the site: Riesling, Merlot, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Francisca and Alicante Bouschet — the latter propagated from historic Mouchão cuttings.

In 2013, the project narrowed to its essence: five clos totalling 1.1 hectares, a scale that allows exclusively manual work, personally carried out by Lucas De Souza. Vinification took place externally at first, always under the consultancy of Jorge Serôdio Borges and Sandra Tavares da Silva (Wine & Soul), until the estate’s own winery was completed in 2022, securing full autonomy.

Today, Projeto Milimétrico produces three wines in minuscule quantities and with absolute precision: Milimétrico Branco, Milimétrico Tinto and Milimétrico Quatro Vinhas — all widely praised by critics.

Description

The 2016 vintage stands out for its harmony and restraint, and is today considered one of the project’s most refined editions.

Score – Revista de Vinhos: 92 points
“Elegant, delicate and finely tuned palate, with excellent balance.”

Technical Data

• Blend: 83% Alicante Bouschet (from Mouchão cuttings), 17% Merlot
• Vinification: Stainless-steel fermentation
• Ageing: 20–24 months in French oak barrels (Taransaud & François Frères — 1st, 2nd and 3rd use)
• Total acidity: 5.39 g/L
• pH: 3.57
• Residual sugar: <0.6 g/L
• Region: Lisboa (Mafra)
• Producer: Quinta Bio – Projeto Milimétrico
• Consultants: Jorge Serôdio Borges & Sandra Tavares da Silva

Tasting Note

Alicante Bouschet of great purity, with Merlot contributing delicacy and softness.
Elegant profile, fine texture and exemplary balance.
The finish is precise, clean and harmonious, with natural limestone-driven freshness.

Food Pairing

• White meats and roasted poultry
• Oven-roasted rabbit or lamb
• Medium-intensity vegetable dishes
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Soft cheeses

Serving & Cellaring

Temperature: 16 ºC
Drink window: 2025–2031
Ageing potential: Excellent, maintaining freshness and definition