Quinta da Fonte Souto “Taifa” Arinto
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Taifa takes its name from the small pricipalities and kingdomes of the Iberian Peninsula created during the Moorish presence.
- Taifa is produced with only the best grapes from Quinta da Fonte Souto.
- Older plots and attention to the precise date to harvest provides the wine with greater acidity.
Varietal Composition: 100% Arinto
Elaboration: The grapes are harvested in small boxes and received at the property’s cellar. A manual sorting followed by de-stemming and gentle crushing, after which the grapes are transferred to a pneumatic press where they are pressed at low pressure. Fermentation starts in stainless steel vats, but immediately after the start of alcoholic fermentation, part of the musts are transferred to 500 l oak barrels — this greater capacity allows minimize the impact of wood on the aromatic component. Incorporation of ‘fine’ lees. The musts are kept in contact with the lees fermentation using frequent bâtonnage. Aged and bottled in 100% new French oak barrels and Hungarian, which the wine aged 11 months in the cellar with a temperature controlled environment.
Tasting Notes: Seductive and charming honeysuckle perfume, complemented by notes of sea air — guided by iodine and salt — and even a few traces of vanilla. Flint and light suggestions toast add dimension to the sumptuous aromatic fan. The rich texture provides creamy flavors of apricot and quince and subtle touches of honey, all impeccably balanced by the citrus acidity that cuts the sublime elegance and poise.
PRESS
2020 – 94 Wine Enthusiast
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Quinta da Fonte Souto is a Portuguese wine produced by the Symington family, well-known for their premium port wines.
In the name “Fonte Souto,” Fonte represents the springs that provide an abundance of fresh water to the vineyard. Souto means represents the considerable area of chestnut trees and cork oaks that cover the estate in the Portalegre subregion of the Alto Alentejo in southern Portugal. There are 207 hectares on the property, of which 43 are planted with vines.
The Symingtons come from a long line of port producers. Andrew James Symington arrived in Portugal in 1882 and married Porto-born Beatrice who was descended from port merchants going back to 1652. Today, ten family members representing a fifth generation are working in the business. In addition to winning many awards, they produced the only port made this century to score 100 points in Wine Spectator.