António Madeira A Centenária 2021
António Madeira is one of the leading quality producers in the Dão, according to Robert Parker. He returned from France and established his business in the Dão in 2010. He has seven hectares of vines spread over 20 different plots, five of which are old - between 50 and 130 years old.
Vinification
Alcoholic fermentation took place naturally with indigenous yeasts in a vat. Little extraction was sought, working by "infusion" in search of the elegance and finesse characteristic of the region. The fermentation temperature was regulated with bags of ice and the cold of the mountain nights. The wine then went into used 600 litre barrels, where it underwent malolactic fermentation until the following spring and aged for 18 months.
Producer's tasting notes
Pure, unique nose, with a great identity, complex, the mark of a terroir and of time. Granite surrounded by fresh red fruit, white cherry, sensations of aromatic herbs, flowers and pine forest. Great depth, fresh and flavoursome mouthfeel, silky tannins, fine and soft. Endless mineral finish. A "Grand Cru" from the Dão Serra da Estrela.
Analyses: 12% Vol,
Winemaker: António Madeira
The 2021 A Centenária refers to a centenary vineyard (actually around 130 years old) planted with 60% Jaen (Mencía) and the rest a complex field blend of more than 20 varieties, some still not identified, Tinta Amarela, Baga, Negro Mouro, Marufo, Tinta Pinheira, Bastardo, Tinta Carvalha, Tourigo do Douro, Cidreiro, Coração de Galo, Alfrocheiro and Alicante-Bouschet, etc. The difference here is the energy and depth on the palate. The nose is also incredibly perfumed and elegant, like the 2021 Vinha da Serra, floral and spicy. The three single-vineyard wines have different personalities, and that's why they bottle them separately. It has 12% alcohol, a pH of 3.74 and 5.72 grams of acidity. It had a soft vinification with a long infusion in search of elegance. It spent 18 months in used 225- and 500-liter oak barrels. 1,000 bottles were filled in August 2023.
