Carlos Raposo Ideal Branco 2022

Ideal Branco 2022 is a layered and finely sculpted white wine from the Senhorim sub-region of Dão, produced from vines aged between 30 and 60 years. The vineyard plots—primarily monovarietal—highlight native grapes such as Encruzado, Bical, Malvasia Fina, and Cerceal. The site sits between 400 and 700 meters above sea level on granite-dominated soils, which naturally preserve freshness and lend structure to the final wine.

Harvested by hand in September, the grapes are pressed gently, with all movements handled by gravity to reduce oxygen contact and preserve aromatics. After a brief cold decantation, fermentation proceeds spontaneously using the wine&s native yeasts, with no chemical additions. The wine then ages for 11 months in French oak barrels from Burgundy (Puligny-Montrachet), part of which undergoes malolactic fermentation, adding textural complexity and depth. This is a wine made with precision and without shortcuts—marked by long élevage, low intervention, and detailed vineyard sourcing.

On the nose, Ideal Branco 2022 opens with subtle tension. Aromatics are focused and austere at first—marked by crushed stone and light flint—then expand to reveal citrus rind, white flowers, and faint smoke. The oak is present but measured, folded neatly into the wine’s mineral frame. On the palate, it offers a fine, lightly creamy texture, buoyed by brisk acidity and saline lift. There is weight, but no excess. Fruit and acid are in equilibrium, with gentle notes of orange blossom and almond skin carrying through the long, tapering finish.

This is a gastronomic white built for food. Pair it with oysters, roasted fish, poultry, or soft-rinded cheeses. It also handles vegetarian dishes with ease—particularly those involving root vegetables or César-style salads. The wine is fully suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Only 6,000 bottles of Ideal Branco 2022 were produced. It sits at 13% ABV, with a pH of 3.3 and a total acidity of 6.3 g/L, ensuring both energy and aging potential.

James Suckling awarded it an impressive 94 points, highlighting its exceptional balance and complexity. Additionally, Jancis Robinson rated a previous vintage 17 out of 20, noting its freshness and mineral character.