Quintas do Homem, Vale do Homem, Wild Ferment, IGP Vinho Regional Minho, Portugal, 2024

Producer Profile

Quintas do Homem is one of those estates that immediately captivates you with its charm, its passion and dynamism.

Nuno and his father, Antonio, work the vines of their two vineyards, Quinta do Veiga and Quinta do Paço, where they grow predominately Loureiro and Arinto. Ana, their long term winemaker, is a fierce taskmaster, demanding quality fruit that enables her to deliver the pure, fine and elegant Vinho Verdes that Nuno expects. It's very much a family exercise with Nuno and his father working the vineyards, Nuno's mother preparing delicious, traditional Portuguese dishes for visitors and Ana, an adopted family member, making sure the wines are always perfect.

Viticulture

In the 2022 vintage, Quintas do Homem showcased a truly spectacular 100% Loureiro in their wild ferment, and in 2024, they have blended the Loureiro with Alvarinho and Arinto using the indigenous yeasts from their vineyards. The estates follow the philosophy of Integrated Production, producing high-quality wines based on sustainable practices, preserving natural resources, minimal intervention or use of chemicals (except when necessary) and working in a socially responsible way. Plantings are close to the River Homem, from where the estate gains its name.

Winemaking

Fermentation is carried out in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vessels, followed by a month of bâtonnage on the lees to enhance the textural quality of the wine.

Tasting Note

Vibrant floral aromas, ripe melon and citrus, whilst the palate is bright and full, with ripe lemon zest acidity, beautifully textured and long on the finish.

Food Matching

Serve with lightly fried seafood, grilled fish, sashimi, crab, or lobster … but equally good with fish-shop fish!