J Portugal Ramos

Alvarinho

J Portugal Ramos

Alvarinho

João is considered by many to be the Piero Antinori of Portugal and a pioneer in the region focusing on lower yields, estate fruit, varietal character, biodiversity and sustainability. He and his family continue to innovate and more recently purchased property, planted vineyards and built a winery in the Vinho Verde, DOC. In 2013 he released the inaugural vintage of his single varietal Alvarhino.

Vinho Verde is the largest DOC located in the northwest of Portugal with 9 sub-zones so it is important to note the fruit source and for this wine the sources were chosen very carefully. The amphitheater-shaped mountain range of the region has the greatest influence on climate - the "natural shelter" that is created limits the Atlantic influence, which is characteristic of the region. Thus, in the sub-region of Monção and Melgaço there are higher average temperatures in summer (better ripening), lower humidity (less incidence of mold) and also lower average annual rainfall than in the rest of Vinho Verde region which allows the grapes to ripen harmoniously without being diluted.

Wine Production

Partially fermented in new French Oak barrels and the remainder is fermented in stainless steel tanks with temperature control. After a pre-fermentation maceration at low temperature, the grapes are pressed and the juice clarified. Fermentation takes place at controlled temperature of 16ºC for 2-3 weeks. 10% is fermented in new French Oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

The wine is a medium lemon color with intense aromas of white grapefruit zest combined with flint and floral notes of Paper Whites. This 100% varietal Alvarhino is elegant and engaging, with a touch of white peach skin on the palate and a long mineral finish. The partial barrel fermentation rounds out angular edges, but the racy acidity brings you back for another sip.

Food Pairing

This mineral-driven Alvarinho makes an excellent partner for ceviche, Vietnamese-style summer rolls, Gazpacho, Greek feta, cucumber & olive salads and goat cheese & onion tart.

João is considered by many to be the Piero Antinori of Portugal and a pioneer in the region focusing on lower yields, estate fruit, varietal character, biodiversity and sustainability. He and his family continue to innovate and more recently purchased property, planted vineyards and built a winery in the Vinho Verde, DOC. In 2013 he released the inaugural vintage of his single varietal Alvarhino.

Vinho Verde is the largest DOC located in the northwest of Portugal with 9 sub-zones so it is important to note the fruit source and for this wine the sources were chosen very carefully. The amphitheater-shaped mountain range of the region has the greatest influence on climate - the "natural shelter" that is created limits the Atlantic influence, which is characteristic of the region. Thus, in the sub-region of Monção and Melgaço there are higher average temperatures in summer (better ripening), lower humidity (less incidence of mold) and also lower average annual rainfall than in the rest of Vinho Verde region which allows the grapes to ripen harmoniously without being diluted.

Wine Production

Partially fermented in new French Oak barrels and the remainder is fermented in stainless steel tanks with temperature control. After a pre-fermentation maceration at low temperature, the grapes are pressed and the juice clarified. Fermentation takes place at controlled temperature of 16ºC for 2-3 weeks. 10% is fermented in new French Oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

The wine is a medium lemon color with intense aromas of white grapefruit zest combined with flint and floral notes of Paper Whites. This 100% varietal Alvarhino is elegant and engaging, with a touch of white peach skin on the palate and a long mineral finish. The partial barrel fermentation rounds out angular edges, but the racy acidity brings you back for another sip.

Food Pairing

This mineral-driven Alvarinho makes an excellent partner for ceviche, Vietnamese-style summer rolls, Gazpacho, Greek feta, cucumber & olive salads and goat cheese & onion tart.

Vineyard & Production Info

Vineyard name:
Sub-region of Monção and Melgaço
Vineyard size:
25 acres
Soil composition:
Granite
Training method:
Simple cordon superposed ascendent and falling
Elevation:
6 feet
Vines/acre:
440
Yield/acre:
2.8 tons
Exposure:
Southern
Harvest time:
Mid September
First vintage of this wine:
2012
Bottles produced of this wine:
20,000

Winemaking & Aging

Varietal composition:
100% Alvarinho
Length of alcoholic fermentation:
15 days
Fermentation temperature:
61 °F
Total SO2:
74

Analytical Data

pH level:
3.16
Acidity:
6.7 g/L
Alcohol:
13 %
Dry extract:
20.9 g/L
Total SO2:
74
Residual sugar:
3.6 g/L