About Primus Branco
- Style
- White
- Grape Varieties
- Field Blend (19+ indigenous Portuguese white varieties)
- Price Range
- ¥8,500-11,000
- Alcohol
- 13%
Primus Branco is one of Alvaro Castro's special-project wines: a rare field blend of 19 or more indigenous white grape varieties, harvested and fermented together in the traditional Dão style from a vineyard reported to be around 70 years old. Fermented in concrete egg or large (400L) used French barriques and aged around 18 months in oak, it shows a tight, complex nose with citrus, pear, and fresh herbal notes (lemon balm, thyme), and a crisp, mineral, textured palate. It has drawn high scores from critics including Wine Advocate.
Primus Branco is a living link to how Dão whites were made before single-varietal bottlings took over — a field blend this complex simply isn't made anymore, and that alone makes it worth seeking out.
New to wine?
A fascinating, slightly more adventurous white for those curious about traditional field-blend winemaking rather than single-varietal wines.
Food Pairings
Its texture and herbal complexity pair well with roasted white fish, herb-crusted chicken, and creamy vegetable dishes. With Japanese food, try it alongside grilled ayu (sweetfish), yuzu-dressed salads, or tempura with matcha salt.
When to drink it
Wine-tasting gatherings, sommelier-led dinners, and moments to explore something rare.
Terroir & Winemaking
A field blend of 19+ indigenous white varieties from a vineyard reported to be around 70 years old; fermented in concrete egg or large (400L) used French barriques; aged approximately 18 months in oak.
About the producer
Alvaro CastroPortugal's Dão benchmark—old-vine Touriga Nacional and Encruzado of extraordinary depthVisit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- How many grape varieties are in Primus Branco?
- It is a traditional field blend of 19 or more indigenous Portuguese white grape varieties, harvested and fermented together.
- What does it taste like?
- A tight, complex nose of citrus and pear with fresh herbal notes like lemon balm and thyme, and a crisp, mineral, textured palate.
- Is this wine well regarded by critics?
- Yes, various vintages of Primus Branco have received high scores from critics including Wine Advocate and Falstaff.
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