The 2024 Manoella Branco was produced with Gouveio, Viosinho, Rabigato and Códega de Larinho grapes from different plots at 500 to 600 meters above sea level, 50- to 70-year-old vines on granite soils and with a northern exposure. It fermented in stainless steel and concrete eggs at low temperature with a slow and long fermentation and was kept with fine lees for seven months. It has a bright yellow color and a characterful nose with notes of dry flowers and pollen and a leesy and spicy twist. The palate is fresh and vibrant with acidity, contained ripeness and 12.5% alcohol, and it has a tasty, almost salty finish. They produced 54,600 bottles produced. It was bottled in February 2025.

Wine & Soul is the project from husband and wife Jorge Serôdio and Sandra Tavares. They have 45 hectares in different villages of the Douro, 80% of them old vines. Total production is 180,000 bottles.

2023 was a rainy year with moderate temperatures, allowing the soil to replenish its water reserves after years of severe drought, especially 2022. Spring was stable with good flowering and berry set, resulting in a higher yield than 2022 and 2020. Summer was hot but without extremes, allowing for a slow and balanced ripening cycle. Grapes showed good phenolic maturity with well-defined aromas and good acidity. The 2023s reds are nicely crafted and show contained ripeness, good freshness and balance and integrated oak, coming through as powerful but elegant.

The year 2024 was characterized by more classic and balanced conditions: a winter with good rainfall, allowing for good replenishment of water reserves; a stable spring, promoting balanced vegetative development; and a moderate summer with good temperature ranges and no heat waves, promoting slow and complete ripening. Published: Apr 16, 2026