XXVI Talhas - Branco do Tareco

The “Do Tareco” Series

The “Do Tareco” series pays tribute to the small-scale winegrowers of Vila Alva, who have preserved this tradition for thousands of years. Using artisanal winemaking methods in their homes, they continue to produce wine in small clay vessels known locally as talhas. These wines are made in limited quantities and represent a pure expression of the “new” Talha wine.

Winery: XXVI Talhas
Winemaker: Ricardo Santos
Origin: Alentejo, Portugal
Appellation: DOC Alentejo
Style & Type: Vinho de Talha Orange (traditional amphora-made wine from Alentejo)
Grapes: Antão Vaz, Diagalves, Perrum
Body: Medium
Alcohol: 12%
Vintage: 2023
Best enjoyed: 2024–2030
Volume: 750 ml
Closure: Cork
Annual production: 6,000 bottles

About the Vineyard
– Location: Vila Alva
– Soil: Schist and granite, low fertility
– Planted: 1970–1990
– Farming: Organic (not certified)

Vinification
– Fully destemmed and lightly crushed
– Spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts in clay talhas, without temperature control
– 2.5–3 months of skin contact with lees
– Harvest period: Mid-August to mid-September
– Harvest method: Hand-picked
– Malolactic fermentation: done
– Fining: None
– Filtration: Naturally filtered as the wine passes through stems and grape remnants in the talha

Notable Rating
16.5 points, Julia Harding MW for Jancis Robinson, vintage 2023

“Field blend that is mainly Antão Vaz, Roupeiro and Perrum, etc. – 10% stems. Drained from the clay pot on 11 November and bottled in December.Pure limey citrus with wild grasses. Bright and textured, so fresh, not dominated by the fine tannins. An extremely pure clay-made wine and one for talha sceptics.”
(JH)