portfolio ➜ origin ➜ Portugal ➜ Lisboa VR
Bucelas DOC
Categories: White Wine
The Bucelas DOC is Portugal's sole 'white wine-only' appellation and is, along with Colares and Carcavelos, one of its smallest, with just 138 hectares under vine. Located twenty kilometers north of Lisbon, within sight of the Tejo River as it opens out to the Atlantic, it is regarded as the native home of Arinto, perhaps Portugal's greatest white wine variety. Its location is providential: While proximity to the Atlantic and its cooling effect lend a distinct maritime influence, it is also sheltered from its more volatile influences by the Serra de Montejunto hills which run north from Lisbon, resulting in a drier and more consistent growing season marked by warm days and cool nights. Its best vineyards are marked by 'caeiras', the calcareous clay-, loam- and crystalline limestone marl soils where marine fossils are not uncommon.
Renowned for centuries, Bucelas wine was referenced by Shakespeare as 'Charneco' in Henry VI and was a favorite of the Duke of Wellington, when it was known to the English Court as 'Portuguese hock' for its perceived similarities to Riesling. Its modern history begins with João Camillo Alves, whose estate dominated the region in the late 19th century and whose influence is still felt in the appellation today. First demarcated in 1911, Bucelas DOC wines are made principally with Arinto, but can incorporate Sercial (Esgana Cão) and Rabo de Ovelha in quantities not to exceed 25%. (Sparkling and late-harvest wines can be produced from this cepage as well.) Its dry wine expressions can be reminiscent of those of the Loire Valley, or Chablis, and under the right conditions are capable of great development in bottle.
Chão do Prado Bucelas 2020
Portugal ➜ Lisboa VR ➜ Bucelas DOC 12.5% ABV
12.5% ABV
This signature white wine is classic Bucelas, native home of Arinto, perhaps Portugal's greatest white wine variety. Here on the calcareous marl, loam and limestone soils locals call ‘caeiras’, Arinto absorbs the maritime influence of the nearby Atlantic, producing age-worthy wines of great vitality and savory mineral depths. Full details
Murgas Bucelas 2018
Portugal ➜ Lisboa VR ➜ Bucelas DOC 12.5% ABV
12.5% ABV
Murgas Bucelas highlights Arinto, one of Portugal'a oldest and most historic grape varieties. In the village of Frexial, twenty kilometers north of Lisbon, the Franca family farms old-vine Arinto organically from rocky calcereous marls known as 'caeiras'. Fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel tank (80%) and third-pass 350L Frech oak, its elevage likewise continues until bottling, resulting in a wine of great vitality and sapidity, its notes of grilled white peach and beeswax marked by the vibrant minerality for which Bucelas is renowned. Its lively character makes it a refreshing complement to all manner of fish and seafood, chicken and pork. It can be enjoyed now through 2035. Full details
Quinta do Avelar Bucelas 2015
Portugal ➜ Lisboa VR ➜ Bucelas DOC 12.5% ABV
12.5% ABV
Bottled after an extended, seven-year elevage in mid-2022, this stunning wine stands as avatar of the once common but now exceedingly rare tradition of long-aged Bucelas. Hand-harvested from the traditional calcario soils that flank the Trancão river as it bisects the Bucelas appellation, Arinto and Rabo de Ovelha are fermented with native yeasts in steel tank and undergo lengthy elevage on the lees. A small quantity of Sercial (Esgana Cão) is fermented separately, in tank and in ancient barrels, before final blending and bottling. Full details
