Favonius "Vinhos Tinto" Nazaré, Portugal 2022

FROM LA LUZ SELECTIONS:

THE WINE: 100% Touriga Nacional. Grapes were destemmed and went through a prefermentation cold soaking for 10 days. After two days of wild fermentation in stainless steel vats, the juice was drained and the fermentation continued without the skins. These were lightly pressed, and the resulting juice was blended to fill the stainless steel vat where the wine aged.

THE PRODUCER: Favonius is the name of the Roman God for the western wind that blows off of the Atlantic Ocean and is considered the mildest and most favorable of the directional winds, and the muse behind this Portuguese passion project. Winemakers Rodrigo Martins and Pedro Cabanita met at University in Lisboa and became instant friends over their love of terroirs and shared philosophies on how to properly care for them. Favonius wines are made from small plots in and around Armoreira and Alcobaca, both surrounding the Lisboa area and very close to famed massive surfing wave Nazaré. Through their knowledge and expertise in organic fertilizers and bio-stimulants Rodrigo and Pedro have managed to partner with the most serious of land-owners and cultivate trusting relationships which enable them to properly and sustainably nurture the vineyards for the long-term vision and health of the land. Their natural approach to cultivating the land and minimal winemaking highlights the local grape varieties of Touriga Nacional, Casetelão, Arinto and Fernão Pires.