Q.LAB – Folgasão
We’re thrilled to unveil the latest addition to our Q.Lab range—a wine crafted from the rare Folgasão grape, also known as Terrantez. This variety is slowly disappearing from Douro vineyards, but in 2016, our father planted 2.5 hectares to help preserve it—his final vineyard before retiring.
This Q.Lab experiment is all about showcasing Folgasão on its own. We introduced malolactic fermentation to part of the wine and aged it for five months in Hungarian barrels to enhance its texture and depth.
The result? A fresh, aromatic white wine with a creamy, full-bodied character—perfect for sharing with great company!
2024
TASTING NOTES
Colour
Pale lime green
AROMA
A wine with pronounced aromatic intensity, showing notes of green apple, lemon tart, vanilla, and wet stone.
PALATE
On the palate, it is dry, with refreshing and vibrant acidity and minerality. The oak is very well integrated and does not overpower the fruity flavours. The finish is persistent, with citrus and toasted nuances.
Technical Information
Grape Varieties
Folgasão (100%)
SPECIFICATIONS
Alcohol - 12,50% Total Acidity - 5,9 (g/l) pH - 3,3 Residual Sugar - 0,6 g/dm3 Contains sulfites
Winemaking Details
Viticulture:
2024 was a balanced year in the Douro, with a cool, wet winter and mild spring encouraging healthy growth. A warm, stable summer followed, with a brief late-July heatwave managed through careful canopy work. White grapes were picked in early September, promising elegant wines with bright acidity and structure.
Fermentation:
Folgasão from 600m elevation at Quinta da Trovisca was handpicked, gently pressed, and cold-settled before fermenting in used 500L French and Hungarian oak barrels. Ambient yeasts led fermentation at 16–20°C, with light oxidative handling to enhance complexity while preserving freshness.
Aging:
The wine aged on lees with weekly bâtonnage for five months. Malolactic was blocked to maintain acidity. The result is a textured, structured white with citrus, dried herbs, and wet stone, wrapped in a creamy, saline finish.
Winemaker:
Mariana Rosária
FOOD PAIRING
A truly gastronomic wine, ideal for pairing with richer fish such as grilled salmon or tuna, as well as Japanese cuisine dishes like sushi and sashimi.
