Casal da Coelheira, White, 2022
Casal da Coelheira, White, 2022
- 75cl
- 13%
- White Still
- Arinto, Verdelho
- Organic
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2028
About Casal da Coelheira, White, 2022
Medium-bodied with a creamy texture, showcasing flavours of pear and citrus fruits, this versatile white pairs well with grilled fish accompanied by lemon aioli, seafood dishes, or light poultry preparations. Its lively acidity also complements creamy pasta and fresh salads.
This 2022 vintage is drinking beautifully now, showing primary pear and citrus fruit at their most vibrant. Over the next year or two, the creamy texture will become more integrated and the spicy elements will develop further complexity. The wine should hold its freshness and fruit character until 2028, though it's at its most appealing in this youthful, aromatic phase. Don't expect dramatic transformation - this is wine designed for pleasure rather than long ageing.
What the critics say:
"13% alcohol. Verdelho, Fernao Pires and Arinto. Sandy soils. Highly aromatic and fresh with a lovely textured palate showing primary pear and citrus fruit with some fine spiciness. Lovely weight here with beautiful fruit, showing a bit of weight but also a touch of grapefruit freshness on the finish."
Food Pairings
In the Tejo region, this style of white would traditionally accompany caldeirada, a rich fish stew with potatoes and tomatoes, or grilled robalo (sea bass) with olive oil and herbs. Locals might also pair it with açorda de bacalhau, a bread-thickened cod dish, or fresh goat's cheese drizzled with local honey. The wine's acidity and texture make it perfect with Portugal's abundant seafood, particularly when simply grilled and dressed with lemon.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C to preserve the aromatic intensity and crisp finish. No need to decant - pour directly from the bottle into medium-sized white wine glasses. The wine benefits from a few minutes in the glass to open up and show its spicy complexity.
The vineyards are planted on sandy soils in the Tejo region, which provide excellent drainage and help retain the natural acidity in the grapes. The Atlantic influence moderates temperatures, allowing for slow, even ripening that preserves the aromatic intensity of the indigenous varieties. These light soils contribute to the wine's elegant texture and mineral freshness.
Tejo is one of Portugal's most dynamic wine regions, benefiting from Atlantic cooling influences and diverse soils. The region has embraced both international and indigenous varieties, but producers like Casal da Coelheira champion the native grapes that thrive in this climate. The sandy soils and moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for aromatic whites with natural freshness and food-friendly acidity.
The 2022 growing season in Tejo brought the kind of heat that makes winemakers grateful for those Atlantic breezes rolling up the Tagus valley. Summer temperatures soared well above average, creating genuine stress for the vines, but the region's experienced growers managed the challenge with careful canopy work and judicious irrigation where possible. Harvest came early and fast, with picking crews working dawn shifts to capture fruit before the day's heat could sap the natural acidity that keeps these wines lively.
What emerged from the cellars shows Tejo's knack for turning challenging years into characterful ones. The reds, particularly Touriga Nacional and Castelão, show concentrated fruit wrapped in firm tannins that will need a couple of years to settle down properly. The whites fared better than expected, with Fernão Pires delivering its usual crowd-pleasing aromatics whilst Arinto kept enough backbone to age gracefully. We're drinking the whites now with real pleasure, but the reds want until 2025 at least to show their best.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Aromatic and medium-bodied with creamy pear and citrus fruit, fine spice, and a fresh grapefruit finish. It's got lovely texture without being heavy.
When should I drink this wine?
It's drinking beautifully now and will remain at its best until 2028. This is a wine made for current enjoyment rather than long cellaring.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Grilled fish with lemon, seafood dishes, light poultry, creamy pasta, and fresh salads. The lively acidity makes it very food-friendly.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C in medium white wine glasses. No need to decant - just open and pour.
What makes this wine special?
It's a brilliant example of Portuguese indigenous varieties working together, showing both the aromatic intensity and food-friendly character that make Portuguese whites so appealing.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
While it will hold well for a few years, this wine is designed for current pleasure. Drink it over the next 2-4 years to enjoy its fresh, aromatic character at its best.
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