Zafirah 2022

Zafirah seeks to trace back to the ancient traditions of red wines produced in the Monção region. These wines have already been described in the charter granted by King Afonso III to the town of Monção (1286). In fact, several historical records mention the shipment of red wine from Monção to England during the fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth centuries serving as a substitute for the famous Burgundy wines, which attests well to the quality of the red wine of the region of yesteryear. So, using four small vineyards over 50 years old with trellis driving system, we sought to revive this style of wine. Open wines of colour, light, fresh, with a well-marked acidity , very elegant and with a moderate alcohol content.

Tasting Notes

Open ruby colour. Fruity aromas well present where the presence of strawberry, fresh raspberries and peach stands out. Structured palate, but equally fresh and elegant where a well-marked acidity full of personality stands out. Long and sharp finish with structure resulting from time in barrels.

Vinification

Blended wine where the Alvarelhão grape variety is queen, but well supported by Borraçal, Pedral, Espadeiro and a little Vinhão. Grapes harvested manually in small boxes, with a large selection right in the vineyard, only the bunches are harvested in perfect conditions of ripeness and sanitary condition. Total destemming. 24 hours of pre-fermentative maceration followed by direct pressing. No tanning. Fermentation in stainless steel (2/3) and used French oak barrel (1/3). Internship of 6 months. Artisanal wine, “taken to the lap” throughout its process, without haste or hurry, respecting its own will with minimal, surgical oenological interventions that respect the character of the wine.

Endnotes

Region: Vinho Verde
Country: Portugal
Producer: Constantino Ramos
Oenology: Constantino Ramos
Vineyards: Riba de Mouro and Tangil at the top of the municipality of Monção
Age of Strains: Over 70 years
Grape Varieties: Alvarelhão, Borraçal, Pedral and Vinhão
pH: 3.36
Total Acidity: 6.4 g/L
Ageing: 6 months in used French oak barrels
Accompaniment Suggestions: Very versatile due to its high acidity, it can accompany elegant and smooth foods such as sushi or pasta-based dishes as well as more complex and fatty dishes such as oven-roasted lamb or rojões. It goes equally well with desserts.
Service Temperature: It should be drunk between 12-14ºC.
Production: 3,635 numbered bottles