GENERAL-ANZEIGER August 2023 | MEIN WEIN by Caro Maurer
Arinto is an ancient white wine grape variety from Portugal, yet it is largely unknown. This is mainly because Portuguese wines traditionally come to market as blends, mixed with other grapes rather than as single-varietals. Only in recent years have more and more Portuguese winemakers explored the potential of their grape varieties as solo performers. Arinto has stood out as a star among stars in this regard. The grape variety originates from Bucelas, a small wine region north of Lisbon. From there, it has spread across the entire country, as it has something that benefits any white wine: a crisp acidity, citrus freshness, and lightness. Now, Arinto can finally show what it's capable of on its own. Austrian winemaker Lenz Moser has teamed up with Pedro Ribeiro of Herdade de Rocim to fully exploit the possibilities of this wine. The aroma reveals impressions of apple and pear, honey blossoms, and lemon zest, along with a hint of white pepper and nutmeg. Extensive aging on the lees has provided a creamy balance to the wine's crisp acidity, while its playful lightness is counterbalanced by concentration and depth. It's a lightweight wine, but one with assertiveness on the palate and remarkable endurance. It is also lightweight in another way: Arinto is bottled in a 360-gram bottle (rather than the usual 570 grams), making it environmentally friendly packaging.
- by Caro Maurer
Please note that the translation provided is intended for informational purposes and may not capture all the nuances of the original text. While I strive for accuracy, there may be some minor differences in tone or terminology. Always refer to the original text for the most accurate and comprehensive information.
