2019-C Quinta do Soito Encruzado, Dao, Portugal (750ml)   

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Very light on the oak, unlike many other Encruzados. More Chablis-like, in fact, with bracing acidity and fresh green apple, pear and lemon flavors. Lovely wine, ande a great introduction to this fine variety.

Encruzado is native to the Dão region of north-central Portugal, and even in there it is not widely grown. With barrel aging and time it can strongly resemble barrique aged Chardonnay from Burgundy or elsewhere, and in the last 20 years or so has been growing in stature in its native region. This version is very lightly oaked, and as such resembles a true Chablis (100% Chardonnay from the village of Chablis in France) more than it does a richer oak-aged Chardonnay. We included it in a recent Portugal Flight Night at Mission Bay and it was a huge hit.