Humus Palheto 2022

Humus is the biodynamic project of Rodrigo Filipe, a former civil engineer who learned winemaking from his father's books and works a 20-hectare estate in Alvorninha, near Caldas da Rainha in the Lisbon region. The soils are chalky clay, which holds moisture and lends freshness, and the vineyards are surrounded by eucalyptus trees whose aromatics are often reflected in the wine. Palhete is a traditional light-red style, and here it is made from Touriga Nacional at a low 12 percent alcohol, giving a fluid, refreshing wine rather than the dense reds the variety usually produces. Farming is biodynamic, organic and natural, and the wine is aged for ten months in French oak, using seasoned barrels that soften the structure gently without heavy wood character. The colour is bright, translucent ruby. The nose shows fresh red fruit, cherry and raspberry with a herbal, faintly eucalyptus lift and an earthy note. The palate is light-bodied, juicy and dry, with soft tannin and lively acidity. Serve lightly chilled at 13 to 14 degrees. It pairs with poultry, pork, richer fish and mushroom dishes.