COZ’s Pop 2023

COZ's Pop comes from the project Tiago Teles and Antonio Marques da Cruz run near Figueira da Foz, on the Atlantic coast of Portugal, eight kilometres from the sea. The wine is made from the native Vital grape grown on old vineyards once farmed by the winemaker José Mendoça. The coastal climate and proximity to the ocean keep the fruit fresh and lend a saline edge, while the old vines give concentration at low yields. Farming is organic and the winemaking natural and low intervention. The Vital has skin contact, but the wine is made in a deliberately fresh, juicy style, with the maceration kept light so the skins give gentle texture rather than heavy grip or oxidative depth. It is vegan and bottled with minimal handling. The colour is pale to mid amber. The nose shows green apple, citrus peel, white peach and white flowers, with a herbal note. The palate is dry, light and easy, the fresh acidity and faint skin grip carrying the orchard fruit through a clean, saline finish. Serve well chilled at 10 to 12 degrees.