Unexpected Whites

About the podcast

Sonda Branco, 2022, Douro, Portugal About this wine Region: Douro, Portugal — a historic wine region known for Port but increasingly recognized for high-quality dry white and red wines. Climate: Vineyards at 500m altitude — cooler temperatures and slower ripening promote freshness, vibrant acidity, and complexity. Vines: Native Portuguese white grape varieties — Rabigato, Viosinho & Códega do Larinho — grown at high altitude for freshness and mineral character. Winemaking: Typically oak-influenced style with a focus on texture and complexity rather than overt fruitiness or heaviness; gives a creamy, mineral-driven wine. Style: Medium-bodied white with crisp acidity and vibrant lemon and stone fruit flavors Shows balanced almond and subtle oak notes, adding complexity without heaviness Mineral-driven and fresh, with a refined texture