Fitapreta "A Laranja Mecânica" Alentejo, Portugal NV

FROM OLÉ & OBRIGADO:

THE WINE: A field blend of Arinto, Roupeiro, Verdelho, Antão Vaz, Alicante Branco, Trincadeira-das-Pratas, and Fernão Pires from sustainably farmed vines ranging from 25 to 50 years in age. A Laranja Mecânica, or “mechanical orange,” is an orange wine that reflects António Maçanita’s unconventional approach to the style. Unlike traditional methods, he introduces a press—the “machine”—partially pressing the grapes and allowing the remaining juice to rest in the skins before a second pressing. The result is a bold, unrestrained wine that disrupts expectations in the most delicious way!

THE PRODUCER: Fitapreta is António Maçanita’s estate near the ancient Roman city of Evora, located in the rolling hills of Alentejo. Since its inception in 2004, Fitapreta has pushed the boundaries of what fine winemaking can be in this region, and over the last two decades, the estate has become a benchmark for the New Portugal, earning Antonio international accolades like Winemaker of the Year, Most Unique Winemaker, and Winemaker of the Generation. Maçanita works only with indigenous varieties and showcases his estate’s terroir through exacting work: farming organically without irrigation, harvesting by hand at night, deliberate bunch sorting in the winery, and native yeast fermentation. Through his commitment to these principles, he can craft wines that represent sunny Alentejo, but which have a balance and freshness unmatched by others in the region. Maçanita finds equilibrium between tradition and modernity, and his constant exploration of vineyards has enabled him to show off a truly deep understanding of Alentejano terroir, present and past. Whether on his original estate vineyard or in his Chão dos Eremitas site, his wines always contain a through-line of elegance and purity. The broad assortment of wine styles available from Fitapreta is a testament to Antonio’s intellect, curiosity, playfulness, and rigorous attention to detail. Fitapreta has something for everyone!