Vineyard and winemaking
Superior Branco brings together SÃria, Fonte Cal and Arinto from Quinta do Cardo’s high vineyards near Castelo Rodrigo. At around 750 metres above sea level, the vines grow chiefly on granite, with areas of schist and sand. Organic farming and cool nights help preserve the clarity and acidity of these native white varieties.
The 2022 grapes were picked by hand and gently pressed before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel. Ageing on fine lees added a subtle creaminess and brought the blend together while avoiding overt oak and retaining its bright, mineral-led profile.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Pale lemon-straw with green highlights.
Nose
Grapefruit, green apple and white flowers are joined by fennel, mountain herbs and crushed granite.
Palate
Energetic and finely textured, with citrus, crisp pear and a light lees-derived roundness. Arinto sharpens the blend, while SÃria and Fonte Cal add aroma and body; the finish is clean, stony and quietly persistent.
Food pairing
Try with oysters, grilled sea bass, crab linguine or roast cauliflower with capers. Its clean acidity also cuts neatly through a traditional fish pie or soft, rind-washed cheese.
Background story
Quinta do Cardo has produced wine in Beira Interior since 1932. The estate’s plateau vineyards lie close to Castelo Rodrigo and the Douro International reserve, where altitude provides ventilation, a broad temperature range and naturally slow ripening.
Certified organic since 2009, the property is named for the cardo, the milk thistle that grows locally and has long been used in regional cheese production. Superior Branco places three traditional Beira Interior grapes at the centre of this landscape.
