Vineyards and winemaking
Colheita Branco combines Fernão Pires and Arinto from Quinta da Boa Esperança’s estate at Zibreira. Clay-limestone soils and the cooling influence of the Atlantic, less than 20 kilometres away, help balance Fernão Pires’s aromatic generosity with Arinto’s naturally firm acidity.
The grapes are hand-picked and carefully sorted into 15kg cases before gentle pressing. Fermentation takes place at controlled temperature in stainless-steel vats to retain fruit and freshness, followed by four months of bottle ageing before release.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Clear lemon yellow with pale green highlights.
Nose
Fresh pineapple and yellow plum meet lemon blossom, green citrus and a light mineral note.
Palate
Bright and fruit-led, with tropical fruit softened by crisp lemon and a gently stony edge. Arinto gives the blend its refreshing spine, while Fernão Pires brings perfume and breadth to a clean, persistent finish.
Food pairing
Serve with piri-piri prawns, grilled mackerel, chicken salad or a courgette and feta tart. Its aromatic fruit also works well with mildly spiced fish curries.
Background story
Quinta da Boa Esperança occupies a historic family property in Zibreira, brought into its present form by Artur and Eva Gama in 2014. The vineyards sit between Atlantic influence to the west and the Montejunto range to the north-east.
Colheita Branco is the estate’s accessible introduction to two important local white grapes. Rather than relying on oak, it uses varietal contrast—Fernão Pires for fragrance and Arinto for tension—to convey the freshness of Lisboa’s coastal landscape.
