2021 AMPHORA WHITE, Rocim. Alentejo, Portugal

Antão Vaz 40%, Manteúdo 20%, Perrum 20%, Rabo de Ovelha 20%, matured in clay amphorae with minimal sulphur additions.

From their UK agent, HN wines:
“Herdade do Rocim is an estate located between Vidigueira and Cuba, in the Lower Alentejo. It comprises 120 hectares, 70 of which are made up of vineyards and 10 hectares of olive trees. Since its inception in 2000, Herdade do Rocim has invested heavily in the vineyards, replanting vines and introducing new varieties. They are pioneers in ‘amphora wines’, following the ancient traditions of vinification in pots known as ‘Tahla’. The vineyard is cultivated manually and minimal intervention is used in the cellar, to produce fresh, elegant and mineral wines. In 2018, Herdade do Rocim was awarded Best Wine Producer by Revista de Vinhos.”

Deep golden, savoury and spicy; a touch of ‘funkiness’ but essentially a clean and very successful example of ‘orange’ winemaking.