Paulo Laureano Vinhas Velhas Branco 2021
  • White Wine
  • Antão Vaz, Arinto, Fernão Pires
  • Dry
  • Medium Bodied
  • 750ml

Paulo Laureano Vinhas Velhas Branco 2021

Alentejo, Portugal
$22.95per bottle ($275.40per case)
12 bottles per case
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Tropical & Floral

Paulo Laureano is one of the most respected Portuguese winemakers and a reference for wines in the Alentejo region. Agronomist and oenologist, trained between Portugal, Australia, and Spain, after teaching at the University of Évora for 10 years, he decided to dedicate himself exclusively to what has moved him since 2003, making wine.

As the name indicates, this wine is made with old vines of Portuguese native varieties such as Antão Vaz, Arinto and Fernão Pires. The three of them are vinified separately and blended before bottling, being the Antão Vaz fermented in barrels, and the other two in stainless steel.

Fresh and elegant, with aromas of tropical fruit, citrus, and hints of white flowers. On the palate, this blend of white varieties is silky and creamy, and has an excellent acidity.

Pair this wine with grilled fish and soft cheeses.

Press Reviews

Wine Align

90 points (2020) - David Lawrason

This is a big, broad, complex and interesting white blended from three old vine varieties in the south of Portugal - antão vaz, arinto and fernão pires. High acid arinto may be the most familiar of the three. They were fermented separately with the antao vaz done in barrel, revealing wood spice amid the tropical fruit, lemon and herbal notes. It has lots of character and weight for the price. The length is very good to excellent, with a lemon-lime, herbal and slightly bitter finish. Might really work with grilled seafood, paella. Last tasted August 2024

90 points (2020)- Sara d'Amato

A regional old vine blend that includes local varieties such as antão vaz, arinto and fernão pires with an engaging nose that features percolating aromas of fresh pear, kiwi, lemon zest, sea salt, and wet stone. Except for the fermentation of the antão vaz, stainless steel was used in the vinification to preserve the elegant, primary aromatic character. Refreshing and upbeat with a surprisingly long finish marked with white flower and a hint of spearmint. Tasted January 2024.

90 points (2020) - Megha Jandhyala, S.J.D

 A blend of indigenous varieties including antão vaz, arinto, and fernão pires from old vines, this is an engaging and intriguing wine. Notes of peaches, quince, and dried apple are inlaid with spice, vanilla, and caramel here. Though oak influence is quite evident at this stage, I think the generous, plush fruit support and counterbalance these flavours. With time, the oak flavours will fall back and integrate more fully into the wine. I like the rich, mellifluous palate and the long, concentrated finish. Tasted January 2024.

89 points (2020) - John Szabo, MS

Tasting again in August 2024, this has happily turned the corner and shows much better integration of wood character. Shows well now.

A selection of antão vaz, arinto and fernão pires from the Alentejo in southern Portugal, this is broad and ambitious, still quite woody white wine, indeed dominated by sweet oak and caramel flavours to the detriment of fruit. Concentration and depth leave hope for future integration, and the length is surely impressive in the price category. All in all very close to excellent - dialing back the oak influence and maintaining the fruit extract would seem the way to go. For this wine, try again in 1-2 years in hopes of better integration, the risk is modest considering the potential rewards. Tasted January 2024.

89 points - Michael Godel

If you have arrived looking for acidity and purpose than Alentejano Branco for 2021 may just be one of the better options for you. A grape but not a beach vintage in the region and the result here is more phenolic than high acid, more botanical than fruit forward. There is some texture and the mix of antão vaz, arinto and fernâo pires does layer for pleasure, while wood softens and also thickens the overall feel. Citrus is more preserved than fresh and there is pleasure to be had though there have been more exciting vintages come before. Drink 2024-2026. Tasted August 2024.