The Arundel wines from Joaquim Arnaud in Portugal’s Alentejo
Joaquim Arnaud’s family has a had a farm near Evora for more than 450 years.
The name Arundel has English roots. William Arnaud (a descendant of the counts of Arundel) came from England as an escort of Philippa of Lancaster, a princesswho come to marry King D. João I. He stayed in Portugal, and Joaquim and his family are descended from him.
A mixed farm, they planted vines in 2001 to complement some older vines that they already had, and since 2010 have been making wines under the name Arundel. I tasted these wines with him at Simplesmente Vinhos in Porto.
Arundel Flor Rose NV Alentejo, Portugal
Centenary vineyard, with the wine raised under flor for 8 years. Complex, intense aromatics with tangy flor characters and some orange peel. Complex palate with aniseed and a hint of raisin. Lovely. 93/100
Arundel Branco 2022 Alentejo, Portugal
6 months in barrel, then 2 years in talha. Full yellow colour. Lovely focus and structure here. Concentrated and linear with a stony edge to the fruit. 94/100
Arundel Tinto T17 2023 Alentejo, Portugal
Red and white varieties, spending 2 years in talha. Lighter coloured. Complex red cherry and strawberry fruit with some oxidative characteristics. Sour cherry finish. 90/100
Arundel Tinto T18 2023 Alentejo, Portugal
Just red varieties from the same vineyard. Centenarian. Oxidative nose. Cherries and strawberries, some clay. Fine texture finishing with herbs and spices. 90/100
Arundel Great Tinto 2024 Alentejo, Portugal
Trincadeira from old vineyard, raised in barrels. Concentrated and vivid with bold blackberry fruit and a warm spicy finish. 91/100
