At a glance

Producer

José Maria da Fonseca

Region

Península de Setúbal, Portugal

Grape variety

Blend of local Portuguese white varieties (primarily Antão Vaz, Arinto, Fernão Pires)

Wine type

White

Body

Light-bodied and Crisp

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

€9-14 (retail, international average)

Tasting profile

Expressive florals, citrus zest, ripe peach, subtle saline/mineral tones. Zesty, clean palate.

Evolution: Gains subtle nutty and honeyed notes with short cellaring (2-4 years). Retains freshness if well stored.

At peak: Optimum aromatic intensity and palate balance between 2024-2025.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high; citrus driven freshness

Tannins

None (white wine)

Alcohol

Moderate (usually 12.5-13%)

Aging potential

Short to medium (up to 4 years from vintage)

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2031 to 2039

Optimal window

2027 to 2042

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Fresh, aromatic, youthful. Aging has not diminished vibrancy.

The wine’s blend and style favor youthful freshness but have enough structure for modest positive development. Consumed 1-3 years post-vintage, it maintains vibrancy with potential for gentle complexity.

Food pairing

Fresh seafood, shellfish, sushi, ceviche, goat cheese salads, light Mediterranean dishes.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

José Maria da Fonseca employs drip irrigation (water conservation), integrated pest management, solar energy (partial vineyard operations), lightweight recyclable packaging, and biodiversity corridors.

The producer demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship through certified sustainable farming, advanced water management, on-site solar usage, and eco-friendly packaging. However, the Anticiclone label is not certified organic/biodynamic and is exported outside Portugal, incurring some transport-related emissions. Overall, above-average global sustainability for a wine in this category.