Quinta Varzea da Pedra Branco de Curtimenta Vinho Velho, Lisboa, Portugal

From the rolling coastal hills of Portugal’s Lisboa region, where Atlantic breezes temper the Iberian sun, Quinta Várzea da Pedra crafts the 2020 Branco de Curtimenta Vinho Velho, a deeply expressive skin-contact white wine that honors Portugal’s ancient winemaking traditions. Made from a field blend of native varieties and aged patiently to develop texture and complexity, this “Vinho Velho” (Old Wine) bridges the gap between rustic authenticity and modern finesse.

Product Details:

• Grape Varieties: Traditional Portuguese white blend (including Fernão Pires, Arinto, and others)
• ABV: 13%
• Farming Practices: Organic and sustainable viticulture
• Soil Type: Clay-limestone soils with marine fossils and sand
• Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation on skins (curtimenta) with native yeasts
• Maceration: 15–25 days skin contact for depth and phenolic texture
• Aging: 12–18 months in used French oak and amphora, followed by bottle refinement
• Filtration: Minimal; bottled unfined and unfiltered
• Style: White – Tropical and Balanced

Sensory Description:

The 2020 Branco de Curtimenta Vinho Velho glows with an amber-gold hue, hinting at its extended skin contact and natural oxidation. Aromas of dried apricot, orange peel, and chamomile unfold alongside honeycomb, sea salt, and subtle herbal spice. On the palate, it’s textural and layered ripe orchard fruit and preserved lemon mingle with hints of almond, wildflowers, and mineral salinity. Structured yet balanced, it delivers gentle tannins and lively acidity that carry through a long, savory finish. Both contemplative and refreshing, this is a white wine with the soul of a red, tactile, expressive, and alive.

Awards & Accolades:

• 94 Points – 2021 Vintage – Revista de Vinhos
• Gold – 2022 – Concours Mondial de Bruxelles
• 93 Points – 2020 Vintage – Wine Enthusiast

Winemaker’s Background:

Located near Bombarral in the coastal Lisboa region, Quinta Várzea da Pedra is a family-run estate founded in 1910 and now guided by the third generation of the family. The winery is dedicated to crafting authentic wines that reflect the unique terroir of Portugal’s western coast. By combining traditional methods like amphora aging and skin fermentation with meticulous organic viticulture, Quinta Várzea da Pedra produces wines of character, texture, and deep connection to place. The Branco de Curtimenta Vinho Velho represents the pinnacle of this philosophy, a patient, handcrafted expression of Portugal’s winemaking heritage.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve lightly chilled at 12–14°C (54–57°F) in a Burgundy or universal white wine glass. Excellent with roast chicken, herb-crusted turkey, or grilled seafood. It also pairs beautifully with aged cheeses, pork with orange glaze, or mushroom risotto.

Golden, textural, and profoundly distinctive, the 2020 Quinta Várzea da Pedra Branco de Curtimenta Vinho Velho is a wine of patience and presence, a taste of Portugal’s coastal terroir and timeless craftsmanship, where tradition and innovation meet in every amber-hued sip.