Pequeno Dilema DOC Douro Branco

Pequeno Dilema DOC Douro Branco is a Portuguese white wine produced by Symington Family Estates from high-altitude vineyards in the Douro.

First launched in 2020, Pequeno Dilema is Symington Family Estates proof that the Douro can produce fresh, beautiful and elegant white wines. Although the Symingtons are best known as Port wine producers (they own Grahams, Dows and Warres Port Houses amongst others), in recent years table wine production has become more and more important. In the Douro, they produce wines under the Altano brand as well as single estate wines from Quinta de Ataide, Quinta do Vesuvio and the joint venture with Bruno Prats called Chryseia. In addition to these, they now have an estate in the Alentejo called Quinta de Fonte Souto.

As mentioned, the grapes for the Pequeno Dilema come from two of Symington’s most prized high-altitude vineyards. These are the Vinha de Choes at 520 metres above sea level in Vale de Pinhao and Vinha da Tapadinha located at 580 metres above sea level in Vale do Rio Torto. The wine is a blend of 45% Viosinho, 30% Arinto, 15% Gouveio, 5% Alvarinho and
5% Verdelho. The high altitude means that there are much more moderate temperatures which allows for a more balanced maturation of the grapes.

The whole grapes are gently destemmed and then transferred to the press. The resulting must is delicately pressed at low pressure and clarified to prepare it for optimal fermentation. Fermentation begins in tanks before continuing in a mix of new and used oak barrels.

Ageing on the lees adds complexity and body, creating a structured, full-bodied wine with a creamy texture. Bottling takes place the summer after the harvest. Further ageing in the bottle allows the oak to integrate fully, resulting in a wine that reaches its peak in texture, aroma, and mouthfeel, while also enhancing its ageing potential.

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