Vineyards and winemaking
The Reserva is made solely from Alvarinho grown at Quinta de Santiago in Cortes, within Monção e Melgaço. The estate’s granitic terrain and the meeting of Atlantic and inland climatic influences produce fruit with aromatic ripeness, firm acidity and a distinctly mineral profile.
The 2018 fermented between stainless steel and French oak, then remained on its fine lees for eight months with bâtonnage. This combination builds volume and complexity around the grape’s natural freshness, while the oak contributes texture and spice rather than dominant flavour.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Clear golden yellow, reflecting both concentration and bottle development.
Nose
Lemon oil and ripe peach mingle with jasmine, mint, toasted hazelnut and a gentle beeswax note.
Palate
Full and layered, with citrus, yellow stone fruit and creamy lees texture underpinned by bright acidity. Soft wood spice and a cool mineral streak carry the wine into a long, savoury finish. This is a mature white; bottle variation is possible and careful opening is recommended.
Food pairing
Serve with lobster thermidor, roast monkfish, chicken with wild mushrooms or a creamy fish pie. Its breadth also makes it an excellent match for aged Comté or a well-seasoned pork terrine.
Background story
The Santiago family has farmed this property since 1899, but the move from grape growing to estate bottling began when the family’s grandmother, Mariazinha, challenged later generations to create wines in their own name. The first modern releases followed in the early 2010s.
Reserva explores the more structured side of Alvarinho. Fermentation in both steel and wood, extended lees contact and the grape’s natural acidity give it the ability to move beyond youthful fruit and develop the layered character now visible in the 2018.
