THE WINE
After a rough harvest in 2024 (down to 10% of usual yield levels!) Andre looked to secure some organically grown grapes from the Lafoes region to blend with his own grapes grown in Beira. As such it is slightly different to previous iterations of the wine. 50% of the grapes from Lafoes were Encruzado and Bical which were destemmed and direct-pressed into stainless steel for fermentation. The remainder was Arinto and Moscatel Graudo, macerated on the skins for 10 days. The resulting wine is light and crisp with a good saline lick. Great for grilled white meat and salty cheeses.
THE PEOPLE
André had been working in conventional wineries for 15 years when the Covid lockdown allowed him the time to reassess and create a winery based on the principles of the wines his grandfather used to make. As he puts it he is "in search of the true “essence” of the grape without any kind of masks". The project has 2 main goals:
1) Have sustainable vineyards, with organic and biodynamic principals, with minimal intervention and treatments in the cellar
2) Researching and preserving old grape varieties – to not pursue quantity but typicity and uniqueness.
Starting off in a friend's cellar, his first vintages were released from the 2020 harvest. The grapes were sourced from organic and biodynamic vineyards in the region (though uncertified) as Beira has the highest concentration of organic vineyards in Portugal - it is pretty well embedded as the norm in agriculture here!
Now renting 2.5hA of vineyards full of local heritage varietals: Fonte Cal and Uva Formosa, Bastardo Espanhol, Carrega Burros, Bastardinho, Rufete, Marufo, Moscatel Tinto and Jaen. He also continues to buy in grapes from other local growers he trust: Siria, Arinto, Rufete, Mourisco, Bastardo, Bastado Espanhol, Castelão and Trincadeira.
THE PLACE
Set inland up against the mountains that divide Spain and Portugal, Beira is a traditional heartland of Portugese wine production. Deeply linked to small scale peasant agriculture it has become an exciting region for natural winemakers to explore, with old vines and vineyards left unsprayed for years, almost wild and full of traditional heritage varieties.
Gardunha Sul - Gatafunho Branco 2022
6% Off 6 Bottles
Name Gatafunho Branco Producer Gardunha Sul Style White (Skin-contact) Country Portugal Region Beira Baixa Vintage 2024 Grape 50% Encruzado and Bical
50% Arinto and Moscatel Graudo
ABV % 11.5 SO2 Production Organic (not certified). Natural fermentation. Unfined. Unfiltered. Vegan We consider your satisfaction with our products and service to be of utmost importance. With this in mind if you are dissatisfied with the purchase you have made or the service you have received, please contact us immediately on hello@pullo.shop
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