The Ímpar Palhete Series is a unique expression of the Douro. It is a reinvention of tradition that now joins Sogrape’s exclusive collection for lovers of bold and extraordinary wines.
Launched in 2019, the Ímpar Series was born from a challenge issued by Fernando da Cunha Guedes, President of Sogrape, to the company’s winemaking team in Portugal. The premise was clear: to go beyond traditional boundaries and embark on a journey of innovation and creativity, exploring new grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and other bold approaches—always grounded in a commitment to exceptional quality.
This Palhete now joins the collection, which already includes Série Ímpar Sercialinho, Retorto, Solitário, and Curtimenta. Created by winemaker Luís Sottomayor, this Douro red defies convention by incorporating white grapes into its blend. “With Palhete, we wanted to pay homage to an ancestral tradition of the region, reinterpreting it with a contemporary twist. This wine is a testament to the richness and diversity of our viticultural heritage,” notes the winemaker.
In the Upper Douro, 600 meters above sea level, lies Tapada do Castanheiro in Mêda. From just 2.5 hectares of old vines, where white grape varieties mingle with red ones, come the grapes that give life to the Série Ímpar Palhete, a blend combining the 2019 and 2020 vintages.
The result is a DOC Douro wine of rare elegance, which reveals itself to the eye with a ruby hue of gentle transparency. On the nose, it is complex, with herbal notes and aromas of spices and red fruits. On the palate, it surprises with vibrant acidity balanced by round tannins, offering a long and elegant finish.
For Fernando da Cunha Guedes, “Série Ímpar embodies the pioneering spirit that has always defined Sogrape. With each new vintage, we challenge our winemakers to push boundaries and reinvent the possibilities of Portuguese winemaking. The result is always received with great enthusiasm, as we know it will yield a wine of exceptional and distinctive quality.”
Série Ímpar Palhete is available in limited quantities, with only 2,156 bottles produced at a recommended price of 75 euros.