Série Ímpar Palhete: Tradition Reinvented
Rolled out in 2019, Série Ímpar was born from a challenge issued by Fernando da Cunha Guedes, President of Sogrape, to the company's winemaking team in Portugal. The premise was clear: go beyond traditional boundaries and embark on a journey of innovation and creativity, exploring new grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and other bold approaches, always based on a preposition of providing exceptional quality.
Palhete adds to a collection already featuring Série Ímpar Sercialinho, Retorto, Solitário, and Curtimenta. Crafted by winemaker Luís Sottomayor, this Douro red wine defies conventions by incorporating white grapes in its composition. “With Palhete, we wanted to pay homage to an ancestral tradition of the region, reinterpreting it with a contemporary twist. This wine is a testament to the richness and diversity of our viticultural heritage,” emphasized the winemaker.
In the Douro Superior, 600 meters above sea level, lies Tapada do Castanheiro, in Mêda. Blending the 2019 and 2020 harvests, the grapes that bring Série Ímpar Palhete to life are sourced from just 2.5 hectares of old vines, where white and red grape varieties grow together.
The result is a DOC Douro wine of rare elegance, unveiling a soft ruby hue with transparent nuances. On the nose, it showcases complexity, with hints of brushwood and aromas of spices and red fruits. On the palate, its surprising vibrant acidity is balanced by round tannins, offering a lingering and elegant finish.
According to Fernando da Cunha Guedes, “Série Ímpar represents the pioneering spirit that has always characterized Sogrape. With each new edition, we challenge our oenologists to push boundaries and reinvent the possibilities of Portuguese winemaking. The result is always received with great enthusiasm, as we know it will yield a wine of exceptional and distinctive quality.”
Série Ímpar Palhete is available in limited quantities, with only 2,156 bottles produced, and a suggested retail price of €75.
