Julia Kemper White Reserve 2012
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Robert
Parker
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2012 Branco is an equal blend of Malvasia Fina and Encruzado, aged for three months in French oak (30% new). It was sourced from vines planted in 2003. This interesting blend seems rather fresh and lively, with loads of personality as it warms closer to 60F. It took a long, long while for this to unfold, but it became completely delightful, bright, flavorful and reasonably concentrated. Whether you like it because of its intriguing blend or because it is merely delicious, you’ll probably like it a lot. It will be interesting to see how this ages. I’m betting it will hold fairly well, but let’s be conservative just now. Drink now-2018.
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
Producing some of the country’s most dignified and mineral-driven red wines, Dão is positioned in north central Portugal where granite mountains surround and shelter the region from any Atlantic maritime influence. Summers are long and warm; winters see abundant rainfall.