Santiago na Ânfora do Rocim Alvarinho 2024

Santiago na Ânfora do Rocim Alvarinho is a unique, artisanal white, born of a pioneering partnership between Quinta de Santiago (a benchmark producer in the Monção e Melgaço sub-region of the Vinhos Verdes) and Herdade do Rocim (known for its deep experience of ancestral winemaking in the Alentejo). This vintage combines the pure identity of Alvarinho with the texture and complexity only clay ageing can give.

The wine reveals an unlikely but extremely harmonious meeting between the aromatic expressiveness of Minho Alvarinho and the ancestral Alentejo tradition of amphora winemaking. The result is a white of singular personality, where the grape's purity joins the depth and authenticity of clay.

Clay ageing adds a distinctive earthy texture and a marked mineral component, creating complexity without compromising the grape's varietal identity.

Tasting Note (Robert Parker)

Bright citrine, with delicate yellow-green glints.
On the nose it stands out for its elegance and aromatic precision, with subtle floral notes and fresh citrus such as lime and lemon peel, wrapped in an austere, very defined mineral profile.

On the palate it's vibrant and structured, with firm, energetic acidity perfectly integrated into the broad texture and earthy nuance from skin contact in amphora. A tense, vertical wine that's also enveloping, ending long, persistent and full of depth.

International Reviews

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate): Consistently rated 92 to 93 points in earlier vintages (such as 2018 and 2019), an exceptional score for an amphora white.
Jancis Robinson (Julia Harding): 17/20, praising its precision and distinctive experimental character.
Jamie Goode: Rated the project 91–93/100 on his acclaimed wine site.

National Distinctions

Award of Excellence (Revista de Vinhos): Often among the select Top 30 Best Portuguese Wines.
Revista de Vinhos: 18/20 in the themed tasting of "Talha, Amphora and Terracotta Wines", with a regular average of 17.5/20.
Grandes Escolhas magazine: A solid 17.5/20, highlighting it as one of the most original whites of the Monção e Melgaço region.
Producer of the Year: Alongside the wine's success, partner Herdade do Rocim was crowned Producer of the Year in Revista de Vinhos' "Os Melhores do Ano" awards.