The name Auratus translates to gold (as in "goldfish") like the brilliant color of a glass of this exotic and charismatic wine. One sniff and you know this is not "your Mother's Chardonnay".
In 2002, Marcial Dorado's Quinta Do Feital purchased an estate in Seixas, Portugal across the border from Galicia, Spain. His new estate on the banks of the Minho River grows newly planted Alvarinho and old vine Trajadura. Alvarinho is better known as Albarino in Galicia, and is THE grape of Rias Baixas. Trajadura is often a component of the light and frizzy local wine, Vino Verde.
Auratus is a blend of about 50/50 Alvarinho and Trajadura, unwooded, vinified in all stainless steel. Cases produced: 5,500.
Excellent value ($13). Closure: Real cork Neocork. Alcohol content: 12%.
Style: Aromatic, exotic, unoaked, minerally, dry.
Tasting Notes: Appearance: Light gold. Aromas: Intensely perfumed mandarin orange, lemongrass, and cold blossoms. Medium-bodied, lightly tart and nicely round, the citrusy exotic fruit, ginger spice and minerally flavors command attention, and the finish is crisp and dry.
Comment: Dare to be different.
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I can't emphasize enough the high quality of this wine. Ideal for fish, lobster, chicken, etc.
Be aware that with the 2005 vintage, at least in the US market, the firm has got rid of real cork. They use an artificial cork but unfortunately didn't go all the way and use the functionally superior screwcap.
- A
Posted by: Andrew Chalk | May 06, 2007 at 11:18 PM
I can't emphasize enough the high quality of this wine. Ideal for fish, lobster, chicken, etc.
Be aware that with the 2005 vintage, at least in the US market, the firm has got rid of real cork. They use an artificial cork but unfortunately didn't go all the way and use the functionally superior screwcap.
- A
Posted by: Andrew Chalk | May 06, 2007 at 11:24 PM
Andrew - Thank You for correcting me on the closure - you're right - it is a "Neocork". -Jerry
Posted by: jerry | May 07, 2007 at 12:09 AM