Monte Meão Branco 2023 – Inaugural Vintage – 93 Points Wine Advocate – 3 × 75cl – Original Case

Monte Meão Branco 2023 – Quinta do Vale Meão – Douro The inaugural vintage of a new white wine from one of the Douro’s most prestigious estates, Quinta do Vale Meão. Monte Meão Branco is produced from two specific vineyard parcels: Vinha do Rio and Vinha do Janeanes, planted on contrasting alluvial and schist soils. The blend is Arinto and Rabigato, varieties particularly suited to preserving freshness and minerality in the warm conditions of the Douro Superior. Fermentation takes place in 500-litre barrels, approximately 25% new oak with the remainder second- and third-use barrels. The wine then spends around five months on fine lees with periodic bâtonnage, followed by a further four months of maturation. The result is a serious, gastronomic Douro white: highly mineral and citrus-driven, with discreet, well-integrated oak, excellent volume and vibrant acidity. The palate combines freshness with texture and finishes long, dry and complex. The 2023 has also received 93/100 from Wine Advocate, adding considerably to the appeal of this first release.