Poço do Lobo Branco 1994

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Founded in 1920 by the Costa brothers, Caves São João became a key player in Portuguese winemaking with its iconic brands "Frei João" from Bairrada and "Porta dos Cavaleiros" from Dão. Initially focused on fine Douro wines, the winery shifted to Bairrada table and sparkling wines after a 1930 regulation restricted Port production. Under French enologist Gaston Mainousson, Caves São João gained a reputation for quality wines. Though demand for Bairrada and Dão wines waned in the 1990s, they saw a resurgence 20 years later as consumers sought finesse and freshness. In 2013, the Costa family began releasing library vintages from 1959 to 2000, showcasing the remarkable aging potential of their wines. Today, Caves São João remains the only Portuguese winery to offer such historic vintages commercially, blending tradition with continuous innovation.

WHAT MAKES THIS WINE UNIQUE?

This is an opportunity to taste a perfectly aged, mature Bairrada white, showcasing the capacity for longevity that this region is known for. A library release from the winery itself, with the bottles kept in pristine condition for decades, these wines show a complexity that cannot be derived in any other way. 100% Arinto, a high-acid varietal well suited to long cellaring.

RATING HISTORY:

1995 91 WE; 1994 92 WA; 1991 91VFTC; 1991 91IWR; 1991 95W&S (Top 100 Best Buys of the Year)

GRAPE:

100% Arinto. Vines planted in 1950. Tended in clay and limestone soil at 50-100 m (164-328 ft) elevation

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:

Perfect with seafood dishes like cioppino, steamed mussels or clams casino. Roast pork or chicken are also beautiful pairs. Decant briefly prior to serving.

VINIFICATION AND AGING:

open top, extended skin fermentation. 24 months on cement tanks, filtered and bottled. Bottles come to us straight from the winery.

TASTING NOTES:

It offers caramel, herbs and other secondary aromas and flavors. Fermented in open top fermenters and aged 24 months in cement, it reveals excellent acidity and remarkable freshness for a wine of this age. A very special wine.

ALCOHOL CONTENT:

11.5%

UPC CODE:

5601831421221