Nicolau de Almeida Ronfe 2023 2024

João Nicolau de Almeida is best known for his work in the Douro, and this Ronfe is made in the neighbouring Minho, home of Vinho Verde in Portugal's cool, wet north-west. It is a single-variety Trajadura, a local white grape that gives gentle stone fruit and floral character with moderate acidity. The Minho has a maritime, Atlantic-influenced climate with high rainfall and granite-based soils, which keeps the wine fresh and light on its feet. The fruit spends four months in separate containers before blending, a short élevage that preserves the primary fruit and the wine's crisp profile rather than adding oak or heavy texture. Farming is sustainable. The colour is pale lemon with a faint green tint. The nose is fresh and floral, with lemon, green apple and white flowers over a subtle saline note. The palate is dry, light and bright, with citrus and orchard fruit carried by a clean, mineral acidity and a gentle salinity on the finish. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees in a standard white glass.