2024 Susana Esteban - Procura Na Anfora Branco Alentejano (750ml)
Susana Esteban was born in Tui, in Spanish Galicia, and trained in chemistry and oenology. She began her career in Portugal’s Douro in 1999, working at Quinta do Côtto and Quinta do Crasto. In 2011 she started her own project in Alentejo, building it around old vines. In 2012 Revista de Vinhos named her Winemaker of the Year, the first woman to win it. She works from a simple winery in Mora, and her wines are known for freshness and a distinct sense of place.
Procura means “search,” and this white comes from that search for very old vines in the Serra de São Mamede near Portalegre. The vineyards sit at about 700 meters, much cooler than most of Alentejo, and the fruit is farmed organically from a mix of traditional Portuguese varieties. The grapes are pressed and decanted, then fermented with temperature control to preserve the character of the site. This bottling is made in amphora, which adds texture and elegance without heavy oak influence.
The nose is intense and complex, with citrus, orchard fruit, and pronounced minerality. The palate is deep and full-bodied, balancing mountain freshness with a rounded, elegant texture. It pairs well with fresh seafood, grilled fish, fried dishes, or braised vegetables.