Algarve wines just keep on getting better, and this is really no surprise given that we have near perfect terroir to grow wine grapes and so much new investment in the production of quality wine.
This wine is a new arrival on the scene. The grower planted his vines on an estate near the River Arade between Estômbar and Silves and named the wine after the ancient name of the river “Arvad”.
The wines are produced at the Cabrita winery and the grower has taken on winemaker Bernardo Cabral who is known in these parts for producing the excellent Vicentino wines up on the west coast.
I have yet to try the red or the rosé and, so I am told, some premium labels will be released in the near future too.
But, if this white is a sign of things to come, we can expect good things from Arvad. The white is a blend of Alvarinho, Sauvignon Blanc and Arinto, with just 6% of the blend fermented in used oak and the rest in stainless steel. There are tropical fruit notes on the nose leading to a subtle creaminess in the mouth and very good acidity – well worth the price of €8.99 at Apolónia.
