Quinta Do Crasto Blanco 2024

Quinta do Crasto is a landmark estate in Portugal's Douro Valley, more familiar for its reds and Port, and this white draws on the region's native varieties Rabigato, Gouveio and Viosinho. Grapes come from selected plots, hand-picked into small crates and sorted carefully at the winery to protect fruit quality. Rabigato supplies the acidity and citrus lift, Gouveio the body and stone fruit, and Viosinho the aromatic detail. Fermentation follows a cool, protective approach: the must rests in stainless steel at around 8 degrees for 48 hours to settle solids, then ferments at controlled temperatures, a method that preserves the primary aromatics and freshness against the Douro's summer heat. No oak is used, keeping the fruit clean and direct. The 2024 is pale straw with a bright nose of lemon, green apple and white peach over white flowers. The palate is dry, light and taut, with a citrus drive and a stony, faintly saline finish. Alcohol sits at 13 percent. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees in a white glass.