COZs vp-Vital Branco 2018 2022

COZs is the joint project of winemakers Tiago Teles and Antonio Marques da Cruz, who set out to recover old vineyards in the coastal hills north of Lisbon. This organic white is made from Vital, a native Portuguese variety rarely bottled on its own, grown in the Serra de Montejunto. The Atlantic sits close by, and the maritime climate with its sea breezes and limestone soils gives the wine cool fruit and firm acidity. Vinification follows a natural approach, with native yeasts, no added chemicals and ageing in barrel that adds air and texture without obvious oak flavour. Time on the fine lees rounds the mid palate and lends a subtle savoury depth, while the wine keeps its brightness and cut. It shows a pale colour, a nose of lemon and orchard fruit lifted by a herbal, saline note, and a dry, mineral palate with a long, salt tinged finish. This is a food wine to drink young. Serve it at 10 to 12 degrees.