Quinta do Vallado Branco 2020

The 2020 Branco is a blend of 40% Rabigato, 25% Códega, 15% Viosinho and 10% each of Arinto and Gouveio (in this case, a.k.a. Verdelho), unoaked, very dry and coming in at just 11.7% alcohol. Vallado's regular Branco has become quite a fine wine. It seems concentrated in mouthfeel. In its youth, though, its bigger claim to fame is the structure. The textured finish shows some tension. It lingers nicely, the fruit coating the tongue and gripping it. This is a dry and serious white, not at all sweet or fruity, so look away if you're looking for a different style. Overall, this seems like a big success. It is going to have to prove it can age and develop a bit. When we come back in 2023, it has to look just as young. I think it has the structure to do so. For now, I'm leaning up on this.