Casa Ermelinda is one of our wineries on the Iberian Peninsula. It's the perfect blend of good quality, plenty of excitement, and a great price. Their versatility also underscores why Casa Ermelinda is at the forefront of Portuguese wines. What's remarkable is that the winery has capitalized on the surge in popularity of "regular" Portuguese wines. No Port: just wine!
Like many Portuguese wineries, the vineyards are unique. Nowhere else in the world do native grapes have such a large footprint as in Portugal. We were bombarded with unusual Portuguese names during a tour of Casa Ermelinda's vineyards. Casa Ermelinda Flor de la Mar Blanco White uses three grape varieties. First, Aristo and Fránão Pires; aromatic delights you'll only find in Portugal. However, the winemaker also decided to add the Spanish Verdejo (also known in Portugal as Verdelho), which makes Casa Ermelinda Flor de la Mar Blanco White even more delicious.
After harvest and refreshing fermentation in stainless steel, the juice is aged for just three months in oak. This may not seem like much, but it gives Casa Ermelinda Flor de la Mar Blanco White its tension and complexity. Upon pouring, the aromas practically leap out of the glass: green notes of citrus, lime, and freshly mown grass are present. Tropical fruit and fresh lemons are also a pleasant component of the wine. The spicy oak notes provide a smooth finish, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next sip.
