Altano Branco Reserva DOC Douro, Symington Family Estates

Description

Altano Branco Reserva is a white wine blend vinified from Viosinho, Gouveio and Rabigato grapes grown in the Douro Valley.

The Altano brand is owned by the world-famous Symington family (owners of Grahams, Dows and Warres Port amongst others) under their Symington Family Estates company. They are now the largest vineyard owner in the Douro Valley with a total of 947 hectares split between 26 vineyards. They are also the largest organic wine producers in Portugal via their three Quintas in the Vilarica Valley, Quinta de Assares, Quinta da Canada and Quinta do Ataide. The family are strong believers in the Douro’s indigenous grape varieties and producing quality wines that showcase the uniqueness of the region, its terroirs, and natural flavours and aromas. All Symington Family Estate vineyards are managed under sustainable viticulture practices which aim for minimum intervention to protect and promote biodiversity. The family farm the largest organic vineyard in the Douro (112 hectares).

The grapes for the Altano Branco Reserva are sourced mainly from The Symington’s own vineyards but for the white wines white grapes are bought from from selected farmers with vineyards in higher altitude areas, whom the family have been working with since the early 1900’s.

The wine is made at modern Quinta do Sol winery near Regua, one of the most modern facilities in the region. The grapes are softly crushed which then undergo an alcoholic fermentation firstly in stainless steel vats before being moved to oak barrels. The wine is then aged for 8 months on the lees prior to bottling where it is aged for another year before release.

The winemakers are Charles Symington and Pedro Correia, assisted by the Symington DOC Douro winemaking team.

What is Viosinho?

Viosinho is a white grape variety that is known for producing wines with vibrant acidity and a crisp, refreshing character. The grapes are small and golden in colour producing wines with citrus, green apple and floral notes. Viosinho is frequently used in blends, adding complexity and structure to the final wines. The grapee’s ability to retain acidity even in hot climates makes it a sought-after grape for winemaking.