Quinta da Pellada Muleta Undated

Quinta da Pellada Muleta Undated (Sem Data) is an exceptional, rare release from the renowned producer Álvaro de Castro, in the Dão. Unlike the usual vintage-dated editions (such as 2017 or 2020), this "Non-Vintage" (NV) version is a blend of wines from three consecutive years: 2021, 2022 and 2023.

The Wine Advocate
RP 97

Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez

The NV Muleta Sem Data may be a one-off release, as it's a blend of wines from 2021, 2022 and 2023, which is rare — an experiment like so many they carry out — with the idea of preserving the genetic heritage of their bush-trained vines, as they identified three plots more than 100 years old.

It has a complex nose, with notes of wild berries, herbs, spice, flowers, crushed stone and a citrus touch.

The palate is vibrant, very finely structured, with elegant tannins and great freshness.

The vines had been abandoned but were recovered by them and are planted with a myriad of grapes: yes, the usual Jaen and Baga, but also others such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Pinheira and Moscatel Pardo.

It aged for 24 months in seven-year-old 400-litre barrels.

Superb!

Quinta da Pellada Muleta Undated (NV), the result of a careful blend of the 2018, 2019 and 2021 vintages, is a wine of exceptional precision and identity, as highlighted by James Suckling, who gives it 97 points.

On the nose it impresses with its complexity and freshness. Wild red fruits — such as cranberries and redcurrants — stand out, wrapped in delicate floral violet notes, complemented by subtle nuances of white spice and a mineral touch recalling graphite.

On the palate it's elegant and vibrant from the first moment. The texture is silky, with extremely fine, almost chalky tannins, while firm, precise acidity structures the whole and gives remarkable energy, perfectly balancing the concentration of fruit.

The finish is long and persistent, marked by an evident mineral expression, a direct reflection of Quinta da Pellada's granite soils.

The decision not to declare a vintage is one of its most praised aspects: by combining three different years, the producer has created a complete, harmonious wine where structure, fruit and freshness live together. A wine described as “intellectual”, yet deeply pleasurable.