Antonio Madeira Palhete Ainda 2022 Dão DOC

The António Madeira Ainda 2022 is a tribute to one of Portugal's oldest winemaking traditions: Palhete, the co-fermentation of red and white grapes in the same wine. The name Ainda, meaning "yet" or "still", reflects António Madeira's commitment to preserving this historic Portuguese style for future generations.

Produced from a remarkable field blend of 40 grape varieties, including approximately 20-25% white grapes, Ainda is sourced from old vineyards in the foothills of the Serra da Estrela. The white varieties ripen earlier and contribute richness and approachability, softening the tannins and making Palhete a style traditionally enjoyed sooner than the region's more structured reds.

The 2022 vintage was shaped by an exceptionally dry growing season with virtually no rainfall, highlighting the effects of climate change and producing concentrated fruit with vibrant character.

Inspired by the methods of Henri Jayer, Ainda 2022 was vinified like a red wine. The fruit was fully destemmed, underwent a cold pre-fermentation maceration at 15°C, followed by 15 days of skin contact throughout fermentation. The wine was then aged for 9 months in stainless steel and bottled without fining or filtration, preserving texture, freshness and personality.

Tasting Notes

Brightly coloured and wonderfully expressive, the wine bursts with ripe berry fruit aromas alongside delicate floral cherry notes. The palate is pure, vivid and energetic, loaded with sweet cherry and berry flavours and impressive fruit intensity. A faint natural spritz from its time in tank adds freshness and lift, while the generous fruit profile makes it particularly enjoyable in its youth.

Wine Details
Producer: António Madeira
Region: Dão – Serra da Estrela, Portugal
Vintage: 2022
Style: Traditional Palhete (co-fermented red and white grapes)
Grape Varieties: Field blend of 40 grape varieties (20% white, 80% red)
Vine Age: 50-100 years
Soil: Granite
Altitude: 500 metres
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts, traditional open-vat fermentation
Malolactic: Completed in stainless steel
Ageing: 9 months in stainless steel
Unfined & Unfiltered
Alcohol: 12.0%
Total Acidity: 4.95 g/L
pH: 3.67
Production: 6,800 bottles
Bottled: June 2023
Food Pairing

Serve lightly chilled alongside charcuterie, roast chicken, grilled pork, duck, lamb, tapas and traditional Portuguese codfish dishes, where its freshness and vibrant fruit character shine.

About António Madeira

French-born and of Portuguese heritage, António Madeira has become one of the leading voices of the modern Dão, restoring historic vineyards throughout the Serra da Estrela and championing forgotten native grape varieties. His wines are renowned for their freshness, salinity, authenticity and profound sense of place.

A vibrant and authentic expression of Portugal's historic Palhete tradition, combining old-vine character, bright fruit and effortless drinkability in a uniquely Portuguese style.