Natus Vini, Intus Branco

Wine Type: White Wine

Grape(s): Roupeiro, Antão Vaz and Arinto

Country: Portugal

Region: Alentejo

Organic: Yes

Vegan: No

ABV: 13%

Winemaker: Hamilton Reis

Winery: Natus Vini is a passion project built from scratch by Hamilton himself. Having been winemaker for several big names of the Alentejo, he has now built his new home (literally, the house where he and his family live) in the middle of his vineyards, with his winery in the basement. He is surrounded by his vines and now makes his own style of wine.

His ethos is minimalist, while utilising technical skill and experience of the region and grape varieties he's learnt over years working in the region. His vineyards are organically farmed, and all grapes manually harvested. He ferments most of his wines in talha or stainless steel, some with whole bunches and some whites with skins. It's all delicate and purposeful. Ageing is done in a mixture of talha, seasoned oak barrels of various sizes, and even concrete. As Hamilton puts it, it's a modern return to the past.

Winemaking: Hamilton's Intus wines are designed to showcase the grape varieties and his home terroir in Vidigueira. Using only stainless steel for fermentation and ageing, and a minimal intervention approach in the winery.

The Intus Branco comes from old vines where the vareities are co-harvested, foot-trodden, and co-fermented. Purity of soft orchard fruit is maintained by a lightness of touch, with a stoney minerality and herby complexity. Surprisingly soft, but good acidity keeps good ripeness and nice weight in balance.

Tasting Notes: This has aromas of citrus and white flowers in harmony with some herbal character. Juicy and with fresh acidity. At the table it's a great match for fresh salads, sea food or grilled white meat.