# Ponte Mouchão Branco (2018)

- **Producer:** Herdade do Mouchão
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Verdelho
- **Region:** Alentejo, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €22
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, peach, melon, grapefruit, apricot, cloves, biscuit, vanilla, pastry, almond, dried apricot, honey

## About this wine

The Ponte Mouchão Branco is a white wine from Herdade do Mouchão in Portugal's Alentejo region, primarily made from the Verdelho grape. This wine represents a revival of a historically significant indigenous variety for the estate. It is produced from old Verdelho vines, some of which are grafted onto established rootstock, situated on the shallow banks of the Mouchão reservoir. The estate itself has a long family history, dating back over 150 years, and is known for its commitment to traditional winemaking practices and the expression of its unique terroir.

## Interesting facts

- Verdelho at Mouchão was celebrated as early as 1909 by writer W. H. Koebel.
- Grapes are sourced from old Verdelho vines, some grafted onto 25-year-old Perrum vines.
- The wine is classified as Vinho Regional Alentejano, reflecting Verdelho's historical presence.
- The estate has been family-owned for over 150 years.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity and medium-plus body complement rich seafood and white meats, cutting through fattiness and enhancing natural flavors. Its subtle complexity can stand up to dishes with delicate sauces and herbaceous notes.

## Wine making process

The Ponte Mouchão Branco is produced using a combination of stainless steel tanks and used French oak barrels for fermentation. Following fermentation, the wine is aged on its fine lees for up to nine months, with regular battonage employed to enhance texture and complexity. The grapes are hand-harvested, and the wine is bottled after approximately ten months of total aging. This process aims to preserve the character of the Verdelho grape and the unique qualities of the Alentejo terroir.