Wines Lisboa Vidigal Wines - Curtimenta - 2021

Viniou Reviews

The 2021 Cuvée Curtimenta from Vidigal Wines is a demi-sec white wine produced under the Lisboa IGP appellation. This cuvée showcases Portugal’s innovative streak in winemaking, using the "curtimenta" technique—akin to skin-contact winemaking, which imparts complexity and depth to the wine. Although the exact grape blend isn't specified, Portuguese whites from this region often feature varieties like Arinto, Fernão Pires, and Vital, which contribute aromatic intensity, citrus freshness, and a pleasant mouthfeel. The demi-sec style suggests a subtle sweetness, balancing freshness with gentle fruitiness, and the 2021 vintage brings forth the vibrancy typical of recent Portuguese harvests.

Lisbon’s wine region benefits from the Atlantic’s cooling influence, with mild temperatures and regular sea breezes providing optimal conditions for white varieties and extending the growing season. The soils in this area are predominantly limestone and clay-limestone, contributing a marked freshness and, often, a saline edge to the wines. The region boasts a rich viticultural history, and recent years have seen a dynamic resurgence in quality and diversity, with producers like Vidigal Wines at the forefront, blending tradition with modern techniques such as skin-contact fermentation.

This demi-sec white is versatile with food, pairing particularly well with dishes that echo its gentle sweetness and bright acidity. Seafood remains a natural choice—think baked cod with caramelised onions, or the regional favourite “bacalhau à brás”. Thai cuisine’s subtle spices and coconut-based sauces can also balance well with this wine's profile. Cheese platters featuring creamy goat cheese or soft sheep’s cheeses underline its aromatic fruit and liven up the palate.

To best appreciate the wine’s aromatic complexity and balanced structure, serve it slightly chilled, ideally between 8-10°C. This temperature range allows the delicate floral and citrus notes to emerge while preserving the wine’s lively freshness. The Curtimenta will benefit from being enjoyed in a medium-sized glass, providing ample space for aeration and the release of its nuanced aromas.