Text João Pedro de Carvalho | Translation Jani Dunne

After Sarah Ahmed‘s article about oenologist António Maçanita, here, I would now like to highlight a project shared by António and his sister, Joana Maçanita, also an oenologist, in Douro Valley. Joana and António have shared a dream for a long time of creating a wine together, which would reveal both their characters and personalities; a “Maçanita style” wine, whose fruity character is the predominant note. The opportunity came in 2011, in the Douro region, where part of Joana’s work is set.

For now, let us focus on Maçanita wines. The three vineyards they are grown from were carefully picked to fit the ideal wine profile in the eyes of the siblings. Henrique and Sebastião vines are in Douro, which is a sub-region of Cima Corgo, close to Pinhão, where the species Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz come from, to create Maçanita red 2013. 50% of the wine ages for 8 months in new French oak casks. This results in a wine that harmoniously combines freshness with the presence of fruit – very plump and juicy, showing a good presence. It doesn’t exhibit a strong complexity, also because in this wine, the fruit is the most dominant, with a slight feel of the wood it passed through in the background. In the mouth, it’s fresh, present from the beginning with distinctive fruit, some rounding that counters the slight austerity revealed in the end, between fruits and spices; its talent for food suggests a meaty meal in the oven.

The white, I would say, was a beautiful and refreshing surprise. Also of the 2013 harvest, it comes from near Régua, in Poiares, where Vinha da Margarida sits over 2000 feet high, growing Viosinho, Gouveio and Malvasia Fina grapes. It passes only through cool inox; somewhat tense, but clean, with well-defined aromas centred on the grape species and not digressive. Some citrus notes harmonise with floral scents, which make it very attractive along with its enfolding freshness. In the palate, it’s convincing and captivating. The acidity wraps the mouth in a great harmony between fruit and flowers, and distinctive minerality to finish.

Contacts
Quinta da Poça 5085-201 Covas do Douro Pinhão
Tel: (+351) 213 147 297 / 919 247 318
Fax: (+351) 213 643 018
Email: geral@macanita.com
Website: www.macanita.com