2020 Manz Dona Fátima Jampal Reserva white

The Dona Fátima Reserva is a white wine of remarkable character, crafted exclusively from the rare Jampal grape variety, a symbol of Cheleiros' winemaking heritage. Partially fermented and aged for 12 months in French oak barrels with bâtonnage, it displays an intense and complex bouquet, where tropical and citrus fruit notes are complemented by elegant hints of butter, dried fruits and toast. On the palate, it is creamy and well-structured, with firm acidity and excellent balance, leading to a fresh, persistent and enveloping finish that highlights the unique character of this historic grape variety.

The Manz family moved to the quiet village of Cheleiros, West of Portugal, in 2004 and quickly fell in love with the people and the place. The region's winegrowing past, of the countryside and lost customs, quickly captivated André Manz who, with the help and advice of the locals, decided to try his hand at producing wine for his consumption.

After identifying the grape varieties that would be planted in a forgotten vineyard in an orchard, he discovered that one of the varieties was a variety that is practically extinct in Portugal - Jampal. Few producers are currently investing in this variety, given its low profitability, but André Manz did not try to follow in anyone's footsteps but his own.

Today, his business has expanded to three wine-producing regions, Douro, Lisbon, and the Setúbal Peninsula, and 25 countries.

(image is for illustrative purposes)