An important component of the Maçanita winery is the recovery of old vines in plots whose characteristics did not initially show potential for Port wine production, having been neglected over time, but which nevertheless contain mixtures of traditional Douro grape varieties.
Supported by this recovery and discovery, the wines are also a reflection of this forgotten heritage, demonstrating the existence of different terroirs within the Douro region. Reflecting the authentic character of this region, the Douro terroir comes through strongly in the Reserva wines, a real sense of "it could only be from the Douro", which was strengthened again between 2020 and 2021, when more old vines from the Carlão region, with unique grape varieties from old vineyards, were introduced into the wines.
The new edition of Maçanita Branco Reserva transports us to a more striking Douro, with its old vines, in which the Folgasão variety predominates among the mix of traditional Douro varieties.
In the oenology of whites from old vines, we have around 17 different white grape varieties, varieties with very different ripening times, such as Viosinho which ripens much earlier than the Arinto variety, yet they are all mixed together in the same vineyard. This variety of grape varieties brings a wealth of colors, textures and acidity to the must and, of course, a very different approach to oenology than that used in the production of single varietals.
In their composition, the Branco Reserva 2021 and 2020 are quite different: the former is made up of 55% Folgasão and 45% a blend of traditional Douro grape varieties and the latter of 65% Arinto and 35% a blend of traditional Douro grape varieties. The differences between the Arinto and Folgasão grape varieties mark each wine in their own way and the aging time, from 12 to 18 months, brings demarcated differences harmonized with Maçanita's oenology.
It's not easy to keep up with the diversity of Portuguese grape varieties, there are over 250 in total, and it gets more complicated when they change names between regions. Folgasão went from the Douro to the islands of Zarco, and there it gained fame as Terrantez, just like in Madeira.
Folgasão is not as acidic as the Arinto variety, but it certainly has the aromatic freshness and perception of a very mineral and fresh variety. Folgasão from the Douro at altitude shows a pure, mineral and fresh side to the grape variety, which is mostly planted in the Douro, but which is no longer seen much.
Arinto is one of Portugal's most widespread white grape varieties and is the backbone of most Portuguese white wines.
Known for its acidity, Arinto produces citrus and mineral wines, with styles that can be compared to the way a Chardonnay behaves in Chablis. In the Douro at altitude, Arinto's acidity and purity are highlighted by its freshness.
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