Foz Torto Vinhas Velhas Douro Branco Douro – 2017

This is a remarkably fresh, medium bodied, dry white blend of local grapes grown on 60 year old vines in the very best area of the Cima Corgo in Portugal’s Douro Valley. It has a delicious salinity on the finish and beautifully integrated, very gentle vanilla oak flavours from its 6 months elevage in French barriques. The most impressive vintage of Abilio’s Douro white wine yet!
“The 2017 Branco Vinhas Velhas is a field blend from old vines (60+ years) aged for six months in new French oak. It comes in at 12.5% alcohol. Another beautifully constructed wine from the producer this issue, this tightly wound Branco has fine concentration, a big and gripping finish and plenty of fruit. It is serious and designed for a food pairing. The fruit is slightly at war with the wood just now, but that got steadily better as it aired out. The wood treatment isn’t all that aggressive in the grand scheme of things. This looks like it can improve as well as hold, perhaps for longer than indicated. There were 2,133 bottles were produced.” 90/100pts Wine Advocate