Alentejo producer Cortes de Cima completes its reinvention, and the new wines hit the spot
Website: https://cortesdecima.pt/en/
Alentejo producer Cortes de Cima has gone through quite a transformation since Anna Jørgensen (above) took over from her parents back in 2019. Winemaking is now low intervention, and organic, biodynamic and regenerative approaches are being used in the vineyards, which have been transformed.
And with the latest set of releases, this important winery is now hitting its stride. I caught up with Anna at the Simplesmente Vinho event in Porto to taste through the wines.
Cortes de Cima has two vineyards. The larger is the inland home block in Vidigueira, and then there’s the Coastal Alentejo site. I’ve indicated in the notes where each wine comes from.
Cortes de Cima Chaminé Branco 2023 Alentejo, Portugal
This brings together Alvarinho, Sauvignon Blanc, Loureiro and Moscatel (on skins in talha) from the coastal Alentejo vineyards. Salty, aromatic and grapy with some peach and citrus fruit. Lovely supple palate is bright with good acidity and some salinity. Nourishing and vital, and very good. 94/100
Cortes de Cima Branco 2023 Alentejo, Portugal
60% Alvarinho and 40% Sauvignon Blanc, from coastal vineyards. Fermented in 2000 litre Stockinger barrels and then 6 months on tank on full lees. Bright, salty and energetic with perfumed crystalline citrus fruit and good acidity. Such precision here, and some salty goodness on the finish. Profound. 95/100
Cortes de Cima Lour-inho 2023 Alentejo, Portugal
80% Alvarinho, 20% Loureiro, direct press to Slavonian foudre (2000 litres), then 6 months full lees in tank. Lovely saline energy here: it’s bright with good acidity, and it’s mineral and stony with precision and focus. Purposeful with some pithy structure. 95/100
Cortes de Cima Salino Branco 2023 Alentejo, Portugal
This was first made in 2020. It’s direct pressed Loureiro, half in ceramic (BioPhytos from France) and half in glass wine globe (these cost €3000 for 220 litres!), followed by 6 months in tank on lees. 1% sea water is added! Pure, linear and saline. Precise with great focus and a mineral twist to the fruit. Very stony – almost austere – but lovely. 94/100
Cortes de Cima NatCool Palhete Vol 3 2024 Alentejo, Portugal
From inland vineyards on limestone soils. 60% Syrah, 40% Viognier, carbonic maceration. Supple and juicy, fresh and fine. Lovely acidity supporting the red cherry and redcurrant fruit. Bright with nice acidity. So pure and refreshing. 94/100
Cortes de Cima Chaminé Tinto 2021 Alentejo, Portugal
Ripe and juicy and berryish with a stony edge to the sweet cherry and berry fruit. Lovely juiciness here. 91/100
Cortes de Cima Tinto 2021 Alentejo, Portugal
From inland vineyards, this is mostly Touriga Franca and Syrah, 30% whole bunch, matured in used 500 litre oak and tank. Juicy, bright and stony with nice sweet cherry and plum fruit, as well as some raspberry crunch. Has a savoury twist. 93/100
Cortes de Cima Furnas 2021 Alentejo, Portugal
This is a red blend from the coast. Jaen, Cabernet Franc and Syrah, 10% whole cluster, 20% in oak. Supple and fresh with redcurrant and red berries, some spice. Nice green hints. Energetic with a savoury twist. 93/100
Cortes de Cima Salino Tinto 2021 Alentejo, Portugal
100% Cabernet Franc from the coast. Chalky and mineral with nice green hints and a sense of freshness. Refined and supple with a spicy edge and nice grip. Stylish and fresh. 95/100
Cortes de Cima Aeria Syrah 2021 Alentejo, Portugal
This is from sandy soils over sandstone at the coast. Supple and fresh with a lovely peppery edge to the bright cherry and plum fruit. Linear and pure with lots of energy. 95/100
Cortes de Cima Granito Syrah 2021 Alentejo, Portugal
Inland vineyards, granitic soils, on hillside. Cornas-like terroir with some iron and quartz. Juicy, supple and ripe with appealing red fruits and some black cherry. Saline and structured with refinement. Pure and linear, with lovely focus. 95/100
Cortes de Cima Calcário Syrah 2021 Alentejo, Portugal
Highly fractured limestone, with chalky powder. Supple and fresh with nice brightness and finesse. Great energy here. Saline and pure with nice focus and precision, and good tannins on the finish. 96/100
