New in at Apolónia are two wines from recently launched project by the name of Geographic Wines, both with funky labels featuring a puffer fish hot air balloon.
In a nutshell, this is the work of two savvy young winemakers who have got together to produce their own wines from different parts of the country focusing on minimal intervention winemaking.
They have so far produced three wines; a Sauvignon Blanc from Bairrada and an Alvarinho and a Loureiro, both from the Minho, all produced with spontaneous fermentation using wild yeasts and ageing for eight months on the lees in stainless steel.
The wines available at Apolónia are the Sauvignon Blanc and the Loureiro, costing around €17 and €11 respectively.
The Sauvignon Blanc has subtle notes of fresh cut grass and white fruits on the nose, nice volume in the mouth with solid acidity and a clean polished finish – a very classy wine.
But the less expensive wine made from the traditional Vinho Verde grape Loureiro is the one that really stands out as something different. With just 12% alcohol, this wine is straw yellow colour in the glass with an exotic nose of fresh herbs and tropical fruits. In the mouth, it is unctuous and immensely fresh with great acidity leading to a long and dry finish.
