Humus 'Palheto' Red 2021

Press 4 Mix/White • April 2024 Direct Press Selection

Lisbon is having a moment. A region that was overlooked for decades is now providing a space for young, innovative vignerons and winemakers to experiment and explore different stylistic choices in the vines and in their cellars. One winemakers that’s been leading the charge of this new and refreshing movement is Rodrigo Filipe, who took over his fathers estate in 1999. He now farms the family’s estate organically (certified since 2006) and produces wines that reflect the cool microclimate of his lands, with low alcohol and refreshing acidity. 

Palhete or Palheto wines are similar in style to Spain’s Clarete's, field blends of red and white grapes that result in wines that sit somewhere between a dark rose and super light red. Composed of Touriga Nacional and Arinto, Fernão Pires the Palheto is decidedly darker than it’s rosé counterpart we’ve had in the shop recently. With rooibos tea, bright cranberry and pomegranate aromatics and marked by tart strawberry and salty, ripe citrus tones, this is perhaps the most “funky” wine in the line up this month. There is a touch of Brett and VA, without being overpowering or too wild. Drink this cold and pair with anything from shrimp to stir fried vegetables to fried chicken. Kirk Sutherland