Caracol dos Profetas Fazendas da Areia White 2022
The Caracol dos Profetas is a unique wine originating from the Caracol grape variety, traditional to the island of Porto Santo. The grape owes its name to a curious local story: reportedly, an individual known as Mr. Caracol introduced this grape to the region. Research by the winemaker António Maçanita using microsatellites of the grape revealed significant genetic proximity to the Listrão grape, differing in only one of the 20 microsatellites analyzed, suggesting a close relationship between the two.
The region of Fazendas da Areia is characterized by its calcareous sandy soils, which impart unique characteristics of complexity and concentration to the grapes. The term “Fazenda” is locally used to designate small properties or estates, and “Areia” describes the predominant type of soil in the area.
In terms of viticulture, the Caracol vines are old, ranging from 40 to 80 years, traditionally grown close to the ground to protect against strong winds, using cane fences or Crochet walls as barriers. The sandy-loam calcareous soils with pH above 8.5 are ideal for cultivating this grape variety.
The vinification of Caracol grapes is meticulously done by hand, marking the first vinification of this variety in Porto Santo. Rigorous selection in the vineyard includes multiple harvests to capture the ideal ripeness of the clusters. Pressing is carried out directly from whole clusters, and the must is divided into three fractions during decantation, with no addition of SO2 until the end of fermentation to facilitate pre-oxidation and a more complete spontaneous fermentation. The musts ferment on lees in stainless steel tanks and barrels, where they are also aged for a period of 11 months.
These practices give Caracol dos Profetas an authentic expression deeply rooted in the tradition and terroir of Porto Santo.
