2008 Luis Pato Vinhas Velhas Branco - Portugal

Luis Pato Vinhas Velhas Branco, a blend of traditional Portuguese grape varieties from the Beiras region, is made up of 50% Bical, 30% Cerceal and 20 % Sercialinho, all sourced from old vine vineyards. The yellow gold tint and dense texture create an expectation of age and weight but the wine is quite fresh and lively. A short few months in cask give a bit of gentle oak aroma to the wine but not so much as to obscure the apricot/white peach fruit character. At present this wine is reticent and somewhat muted but with age (or a few hours in a decanter) it will reveal its proper complexity. A whole baked fish stuffed with fresh greeen herbs would be a perfect match here.