The Symington family have spent five generations establishing themselves first in Portugal’s Port world and then as makers of quality dry wines in the Douro Valley. They own 26 quintas in the Douro and as of 2017 have expanded to Portugal’s enormous Alentejo region in southern Portugal. Quinta da Fonte Souto is that property located in the Portalegre sub-region of Alto Alentejo. This is our first taste of wine from the property, and it was provided to us as a tasting sample.
Quinta da Fonte Souto is located near the town of Portalegre at the foot of the São Mamede mountains. The estate takes its name from the natural springs (Fonte) and chestnut grove (Souto) on the property.
This northeastern corner of the Alentejo is cooler, especially at night, enjoys higher rainfall and has granitic soils. Quinta da Fonte Souto itself covers 511 acres with 106 planted to vines. The vineyards, located at between 1607 and 1804 feet above sea level, receive 23 inches of rain annually. Red grape varieties include: Trincadeira, Aragonês, Alfrocheiro, Alicante Bouschet, Syrah, Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon. White varieties include: Arinto, Verdelho and old mixed varieties.
2018 Quinta da Fonte Souto, Portalegre, Branco, DOC Alentejo — pale yellow in the glass with aromas of oat hay, flowers and crushed rock. Flavors of stone fruit, honeysuckle and gravelly minerality finish with citrusy acidity, citrus pith and hints of cedar. The body is a bit round and the moderately-long finish will leave you salivating. 14% abv. SRP $25.
What a delicious white wine with body, texture and complex flavors. It is a blend of 75% Arinto and 25% Verdelho. 70% of the blend is fermented in 500-litre oak barrels in contact with the lees, and the final blend is aged seven months in a combination of new French and Central European oak. 2018 is the Symington family’s second vintage since purchasing the estate.
We enjoyed this wine with mustard-maple pork chops roasted with fennel, parsnips, carrots and apples. It was an accidental pairing that was absolutely perfect. I will keep my eyes peeled for this wine, and hope you do likewise.
As a multi-generational company, Symington Family Estates recognizes the importance of looking ahead to the future. With that in mind Symington farms sustainably, used low-impact, recyclable packaging and is engaged with the communities in which they work. Symington Family estates recently became a Certified B Corporation. Certified B Corps are audited for their impact on all stakeholders from employees and suppliers to the community, customers, and the environment. There are currently over 3,500 Certified B Corps in more than 70 countries.
Thanks to Calhoun & Company Communication for sending this delicious taste of Quinta da Fonte Souto our way.
Cheers!
