Quinta da Romeira, Espumante Bruto
Vintage: 2021
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | QR103T21 | 3 x 75 | Natural Cork | Available |
Producer
Quinta da Romeira has been producing wines since 1703 and is one of the most prestigious estates in Bucelas, Portugal’s only exclusively white wine appellation. They are believed to have the largest Arinto vineyard in the world, with 75 hectares of vineyard dedicated almost exclusively to the grape, planted on clay-limestone soils. The property was bought by the Guedes family in 2018, who have invested heavily in the estate, improving the viticulture and, as of 2023, putting the talented Luís Cabral de Almeida (of Herdade do Peso fame) in charge of winemaking.
Quinta da Romeira has a remarkable history. During the Peninsula Wars, the Duke of Wellington used the estate as his headquarters, developed a taste for their wines and brought them home to London as an offering to King George IV. They soon gained a following in Britain, with celebrity fans including Charles Dickens and Lord Byron.
The ‘Prova Régia’ is a nod to this royal endorsement, with the name translating as ‘royal approval’. Made from 100% Arinto fermented in stainless steel and unoaked, this is a vibrant wine boasting precise aromas of ripe lemon, green apple and a marked minerality. Four months of lees stirring add texture to the palate and a crisp acidity carries the bright fruit flavours through to a clean finish.
The ‘Morgado de Santa Catherina’ is a partially barrel-fermented 100% Arinto. Aged for nine months in French oak barrels, 40% of which are new, with regular bâtonnage, it marries delicious brioche aromas with the characteristic zesty fruit of the Arinto.
The ‘Espumante Bruto’ is a traditional-method sparkling, which is again made from 100% Arinto. The natural linear acidity of this prized, indigenous variety lends itself particularly well to sparkling wine production. After secondary fermentation in bottle, the wine is aged on its lees for nine months, gaining remarkable biscuity complexity. The 2021 vintage was recently named the Best Portuguese Sparkling Wine of the Year at the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships 2023.
Vineyards
Located 15 miles north-east of Lisbon, the historic Bucelas appellation is protected from the worst of the Atlantic weather systems by hills to the west and benefits from the moderating influence of the wide estuary of the Tagus river to the east. This favourable mesoclimate, combined with clay-limestone soils on rolling hills, provides the perfect growing environment for Portugal’s Arinto grape variety to ripen to perfection - accumulating great intensity of flavour whilst retaining a crisp natural acidity. With 75 hectares planted mainly with Arinto, Quinta da Romeira is purported to be the largest Arinto vineyard in the world.
Vintage
The 2021 vintage in Bucelas went particularly smoothly. Following several dry years, winter rains replenished much-needed water reserves in the soils. Dry and mild conditions during the spring provided good conditions for flowering and fruit set. Cooler than average temperatures (in the 32–35°C range) during the summer days followed by cool nights allowed the Arinto grapes to undergo a perfectly paced slow ripening and retain their vibrant natural acidity. The harvest at Quinta da Romeira began on 1st September and lasted a whole month. Diogo was delighted with the Arinto wines produced with “lots of texture, creaminess and presence in the mouth.”
Vinification
Upon arrival at the winery, the hand harvested Arinto grapes were destemmed and gently pressed to yield a very clear must. The first fermentation took place in stainless-steel tanks at controlled temperatures to preserve the freshness of the grapes. Following the traditional Champagne method, the second fermentation took place in bottle and the wine was aged on the lees for nine months before the bottles were riddled and disgorged.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
Pale lemon in colour. Pronounced aromas of fresh apple, white stone fruit and ripe lemon meld with notes of pastry and brioche on the nose. The wine is aromatic and balanced on the palate, with fine and persistent bubbles and a vibrant acidity that carries the well-defined flavours onto the crisp and harmonious finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
12%
Acidity
7.6 g/l
Residual Sugar
4 g/l
pH
3
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinta da Romeira | `Prova Régia` Bucelas Arinto | QR101 | W | Factsheet | |
| `Morgado de Santa Catherina` Bucelas Arinto | QR102 | W | Factsheet |