Vineyards and winemaking
Villae Branco 2021 combines 40% Encruzado, 40% Bical and 20% Cerceal-Branco from Taboadella's high, granitic vineyards at Silvã de Cima. Encruzado brings structure, Bical contributes floral fruit, and Cerceal-Branco supplies an incisive, refreshing line.
The grapes were picked by hand and fermented at low temperature, principally in stainless steel, to retain clarity and aromatic freshness. The unoaked approach gives a direct expression of the varieties and the cool, mineral character of the Dão plateau.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Luminous lemon-gold with green reflections.
Nose
Green apple, lime and white peach are accompanied by orange blossom, lemon verbena and wet granite.
Palate
Bright and energetic, with orchard fruit and citrus held by invigorating acidity. A lightly creamy texture gives breadth, while Cerceal-Branco adds a taut, faintly saline edge to the elegant finish.
Food pairing
Serve with grilled hake, salt-cod fishcakes, chicken and herb salad, or a courgette and goat's-cheese tart. Its freshness is equally useful with tempura vegetables or a plate of prawns.
Background story
Villae is Taboadella's accessible introduction to native Dão grapes, assembled to show how varieties complement one another without obscuring the granite terroir. The white places freshness and fluidity ahead of conspicuous oak.
Taboadella's vineyard sits in the foothills of the Serra da Estrela, protected from Atlantic storms and bitter winds from inland Spain. This transitional climate, together with non-irrigated granitic soils, gives the estate's whites their characteristic poise.
