Textura wines: a new project from Portugal’s Dão wine region
Textura is a new family-owned winery that began in 2018. It’s based on 7 plots (22 hectares in all) of vines on the slopes of the Serra d’Estrela in the Dão wine region. The goal is to make wines more-or-less naturally from organically farmed vines (in conversion since 2020). Winemaking is in the hands of consultant Luis Seabra.
They have also renovated a century old textile plant that they are converting into a winery and wine tourism centre.
The reds are aged in various size old oak after fermentation (30-50% whole bunch), and also some cement tanks. Whites are pressed, settled for two days and aged in a mix of fourdre, 500 litre barrels and cement tanks. No battonage.
Textura da Estrela Branco 2018 Dão, Portugal
From their own vineyards in Vila Nova de Tazem, sub-region Serra da Estrela, this is a blend from Encruzado (60%), Bical (25%) and Cerceal (15%), old vines in granite soils, no herbicides, in conversion to organics. Wild ferment, 60% in a 2500L François Freres foudre, 30% in 500 L François Freres oak barrels and 10% in stainless steel tanks. This is complex and quite saline with lovely mineral quality, some citrus and pear fruit, a hint of apple. Some subtle oxidative notes add interest, with a rounded weighty texture complementing the spicy, lemony, salty freshness. Has some pine-like notes as well. This is really good. 93/100
Textura da Estrela Tinto 2018 Dão, Portugal
From 3 different vineyard blocks in Vila Nova de Tazem (Serra da Estrela sub region). In 2018, it was a blend from old vines field blend (35%), Touriga Nacional (30%), Jaen (20%) and Alfrocheiro (15%). 25-60 year old vines on granitic soils, no herbicides, in organic conversion. Wild yeasts, stainless steel ferment with 35% whole bunch. 15 months in used french oak vat and barrels. Floral nose with sweet cherries and berries and a touch of pine and herbs. It’s savoury and supple with a slight resinous quality under the fresh, meaty cherry and plum fruits on the palate. Lovely structure here, finishing peppery and with some tannic grip. Juicy finish. This is a lovely expression of the Dâo, with real elegance and drinkability. 93/100
Textura Pura 2018 Dão, Portugal
13% alcohol. An old (50 year) parcel planted in granitic soils in Gouveia at 600 m altitude. Aged in a mix of foudres and barrels. This is a really fresh, vivid, supple, elegant expression of Dão with bright red cherry fruit, a touch of sappy greenness and lovely purity. Finishes with brightness and a twist of tannic grip. Very stylish. 91/100
Textura Encoberta 2018 Dão, Portugal
Encoberta is the name of a small village in Penalva do Castelo (Castendo sub region). This is Jaen (50%), Alfrocheiro (25%), Tinta Roriz (15%) and Touriga Nacional (10%). 28 year old vines at 500 m altitude, granite and clay soils. Large format French oak with 35% whole bunch. Floral, expressive and aromatic with lovely supple raspberry and cherry fruit, some hints of tar and pine resin, and a bit of grippy tannin. It’s really fresh, firmly structured, but beautifully aromatic with freshness and focus: there’s a bright future ahead for this wine, which is full of interest. 93/100
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