Casa Ermelinda Freitas Dona Ermelinda Branco 2017

Portugal’s extensive range of unique grape varieties give rise to some exceptionally flavoursome wines. Take bright, crisp Dona Ermelinda. It comes from a winery in Palmela in the Setúbal Peninsula, where the hot sunshine is tempered by cooling ocean breezes. Owner there is Leonor Freitas, who received the Order of Merit for her contribution to the Portuguese wine industry. She certainly knows how to optimise the country’s native varieties. For this white she employed Parker rated winemaker Jaime Quendera, who blended crisp Fernão Pires with floral Arinto, tangerine citrus Antão Vaz and tropical Chardonnay. A brief touch of oak adds creaminess – a winning mix, borne out by 47 awards since 2006. Enjoy with fish, white meats and salad.