Tinta Negra aka Molar (Colares),Saborinho (Azores), Tinta Bastarda (Canaries)
The island of Madeira emerged 5.6 million years ago from the Atlantic Ocean, its soils being acidic and volcanic. Known as a maritime route to the Americas and the Indies, it was an obligatory stopover for supplies of cargo and the wonderful Madeira wines that made it famous. The name "Villões" is the nickname that the inhabitants of the small island opposite, Porto Santo, with only 3,000 inhabitants, in contrast to the 300,000 on the island of Madeira, give to the people of Madeira. The name comes from the word vila (town) and today has gained a double connotation on the part of the Prophets (Porto Santenses).
The Tinta Negra grape variety is part of the ancient spirit of Madeira Island and is still the basis for the wines that have made the island famous. Outside Madeira Island, it is a rare grape variety that can only be found in regions where the sea is close by, taking on another name such as Molar in Colares, where it is practically extinct, Saborinho in the Azores, which is in the process of recovery, and the Canaries, where it takes on the name of TintaBastardo where it has very little expression.Not to be confused with Bastardo (aka Trosseau), its half-sister.
Vineyard: trellised.
Vineyard age: around 40 years.
Location: From three plots in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos and São Vicente.
6,600 numbered 0.75L bottles released in August 2023.
12% Vol.
The grapes were harvested by hand, transported in 20kg boxes and sorted on a sorting table. 70% destemming and 30% whole bunch. Fermentation took place spontaneously, followed by 40 days of maceration.
Open ruby color. Intense nose, notes of crushed fresh strawberry, some vegetable. Fresh, textured attack, good acidity, the aromas of the nose are repeated. Excellent persistence.
Very elegant and fresh, excellent for the transition between fish and meat, for more complex fish and light meats.
