Antão Vaz: Alentejo's Native Grape

When it comes to Portuguese wines, many people's minds naturally wander to the full-bodied reds from the Douro Valley or the iconic sweetness of Port. Yet, there's a lesser-known treasure waiting to be discovered in the sun-drenched lands of Alentejo: the Antão Vaz grape. Steadily gaining recognition, this grape is creating some of Portugal's most balanced and captivating white wines. In this article, we will delve into the multifaceted world of Antão Vaz, starting with its origins in Alentejo and moving on to its growing appeal among global wine enthusiasts.

Alentejo Landscape

Alentejo's Natural Landscape

To truly appreciate Antão Vaz, it's important to consider the grape in the context of its native environment: Alentejo. This expansive southern region in Portugal is a blend of undulating plains, lush cork oak forests, and a climate characterised by hot summers and mild winters. However, the real boon for grape growers lies in Alentejo's diverse soil types. From granite and schist to limestone and clay, the different soils enrich the profiles of the region's wines.

What Makes Antão Vaz Special?

The Alentejo region is known for its hot, dry summers and mild winters, conditions that could be challenging for many grape varieties. However, Antão Vaz has a natural affinity for this climate. Its thick skin and drought-resistant nature make it well-suited for the warm Alentejo days and cooler nights. This resistance to drought is particularly advantageous, as water resources in the region can be limited. The grape's ability to thrive in these conditions is a testament to its resilience and adaptability.

Antão Vaz is an early-ripening grape, which means that winemakers need to be vigilant about the timing of the harvest. Picking the grapes too early can result in wines that lack complexity, while waiting too long can lead to overly alcoholic wines that miss the grape's characteristic balance. The key is to harvest at the optimal time to capture the grape's natural aromatics and acidity, thereby producing wines that are full-bodied yet well-balanced. When it comes to flavour, Antão Vaz is a grape that keeps you on your toes. Its primary notes often include a burst of citrus, offering a zesty freshness that can be invigorating. This is usually accompanied by the softer, more rounded flavours of stone fruits like peach, nectarine, or apricot, providing a counterbalance to the citrus elements.

But the flavour journey doesn't end there. What sets Antão Vaz apart from many other white grape varieties is its subtle nutty undertones. These can range from almonds to hazelnuts, adding a layer of complexity that makes the wine incredibly engaging. This nuttiness often becomes more pronounced as the wine ages, making Antão Vaz a white wine that can benefit from some time in the bottle. Antão Vaz wines are often described as full-bodied, a term usually reserved for red wines. This full-bodied nature is one of the grape's defining characteristics, offering a richness and weight on the palate that is both satisfying and complex.

Despite their full-bodied nature, Antão Vaz wines are rarely cloying or heavy. This is due to their well-balanced acidity, which cuts through the richness and leaves your palate refreshed. This acidity not only makes the wine more enjoyable to drink but also increases its versatility when it comes to food pairings. The finish, one of the hallmarks of a quality Antão Vaz wine is its long finish. After you've taken a sip, the flavours linger on the palate, evolving and revealing new nuances. This long finish is a sign of a well-crafted wine, one that invites you to take your time and savour each sip.

Vineyard in Alentejo

Antão Vaz in the Culinary World

Antão Vaz is not just a wine to be sipped and savoured on its own; it's also a versatile partner at the dining table. Its full-bodied nature and intricate flavour profile make it a wine that can stand up to a variety of dishes, from the delicate to the robust. In this section, we'll explore some of the best food pairings for Antão Vaz wines, offering both classic and unexpected combinations that will elevate your next meal.

Seafood Delights

Grilled Fish The zesty citrus notes in Antão Vaz wines make them a natural companion for grilled fish. Whether it's a simple grilled sea bass or a more elaborate dish like grilled salmon with a lemon-dill sauce, the wine's acidity and citrus flavours work in harmony with the fish, enhancing its natural sweetness. Prawns and Shellfish Another excellent pairing for Antão Vaz is prawns or other shellfish. The wine's full-bodied nature can stand up to the richness of dishes like prawn risotto or a classic paella, while its citrus notes add a refreshing contrast.

Poultry and Pork Herb-Roasted Chicken

The nutty undertones in Antão Vaz wines make them a good match for poultry dishes, especially those seasoned with herbs. A herb-roasted chicken, perhaps seasoned with thyme and rosemary, would be a delightful pairing, as the wine's complexity can stand up to the richness of the meat while complementing the herbal flavours. Pork Loin with Apple Sauce For those who enjoy pork, consider pairing an Antão Vaz wine with a pork loin accompanied by apple sauce. The wine's stone fruit notes, such as peach or apricot, will complement the sweetness of the apple, while its full-bodied nature can handle the meat's robustness.

Vegetarian Options

Grilled Vegetables If you're looking for a vegetarian option, grilled vegetables like courgettes, aubergines, and bell peppers are a great match. The wine's acidity and citrus notes will cut through the charred flavours, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Risotto

A creamy risotto, perhaps one made with mushrooms or asparagus, can also be a wonderful pairing. The wine's full-bodied texture and nutty undertones will complement the creaminess of the risotto, making for a harmonious dining experience.

Cheese Pairings

Antão Vaz also pairs well with a variety of cheeses. Its full-bodied nature and complex flavour profile make it a good match for both soft cheeses like Brie and harder, more aged cheeses like Manchego or Gruyère.

Exploring the Best of Antão Vaz

For those keen to dive into the world of Antão Vaz wines, here's a list of 6 must-try options.

• Esporão Reserva White
  Producer: Esporão
  This blend offers a richness in fruit combined with a well-balanced acidity, making it an all-rounder in food pairings.

• Monte da Ravasqueira Seleção do Ano
  Producer: Monte da Ravasqueira
  This single-varietal showcases a structured palate and a lasting finish, bringing out the best in Antão Vaz.

• Adega de Borba Antão Vaz
  Producer: Adega de Borba
  This wine reveals tropical fruit notes and a touch of minerality, offering a balanced palate experience.

• Herdade do Peso Colheita
  Producer: Herdade do Peso
  A lively blend featuring Antão Vaz, this wine is fresh and floral, perfect for casual meals or a day in the sun.

• Herdade dos Grous White
  Producer: Herdade dos Grous
  This blend provides a tropical palette, rounded off with a crisp finish, ideal for warm days and social events.

• Malhadinha Nova Antão Vaz da Peceguina
  Producer: Malhadinha Nova
  This wine proves Antão Vaz's aging potential, revealing complex fruit layers and a creamy texture, suited for those with a sophisticated palate.

Photo: Malhadinha Nova

By the end of your exploration, you'll discover that Antão Vaz is indeed a grape worth knowing, a hidden gem in the world of Portuguese wines.