XXVI Talhas 'Branco de Tareco' 2022

Press 4 Mix/White • April 2024 Direct Press Selection

XXVI Talhas refers to the 26 Talhas (pronounced 'TAL-ya') that the winery uses to ferment their wine. Daniel Parreira and Ricardo Santos started the winery with the 26 talhas and a cellar inherited by Daniel from his grandfather that they have restored.Talha is a term relating to the large mostly clay roman vessels that are traditionally used in the village of Vila Alva in the Alentejo region. Think of it as a regional style of Amphora or Qvevri. The Talha method here is very unique and is stylistically different from what we typically think of from this type of clay vessel. One of the key differences here is that the talhas are lined with a mix of beeswax and olive oil, called pês (pronounced 'pesh'). This lining is responsible for the characteristically fresh styles of wine.

The Tareco wines represent new Talha wines that are drunk in local 'Adegas' or wine houses. The wine is removed from the pots just after S. Martin's day (November 11th) and is bottled right afterwards (they have about 2.5 months of skin contact). These are light and fresh wines but with all the characteristics of Talha wine.

The 'Branco de Tareco' 2022 is a blend of Anto Vaz, Roupero, Dona Branco, and a portion of field mix varieties. The nose reveals aromas of high toned florals, a hint of petrol, and a bit of caraway. The palate consists of a textural balance of citrus oils reminiscent of grapefruit, ginger, a bit of that petrol note, nice salinity, with a long satisfying finish.    Jeremy Hernandez