Joaquim Arnaud’s family has been farming near Évora in Portugal for over 450 years. The Arundel name carries English heritage; William Arnaud, a descendant of the counts of Arundel, arrived in Portugal as an escort for Princess Philippa of Lancaster who was to marry King D. João I. He settled in the region, establishing roots that Joaquim and his family carry on today.
Initially a mixed farm, they began planting vines in 2001, complementing existing older vines. Since 2010, they have been crafting wines under the Arundel label. I had the opportunity to taste these wines recently at Simplesmente Vinhos in Porto.
Tasting Notes:
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Arundel Flor Rose NV
Origin: Alentejo, Portugal
Notes: Raised under flor for 8 years from a centenary vineyard. It offers complex, intense aromatics with tangy flor characteristics, hints of orange peel, and a palate of aniseed with a touch of raisin.
Rating: 93/100 -
Arundel Branco 2022
Notes: After 6 months in barrel and 2 years in talha, this wine presents a full yellow color, with a lovely focus and structure. Concentrated with a stony edge, it exudes elegance.
Rating: 94/100 -
Arundel Tinto T17 2023
Composition: A mix of red and white varieties, maturing for 2 years in talha. It features complex red cherry and strawberry fruit wrapped in oxidative characteristics and a sour cherry finish.
Rating: 90/100 -
Arundel Tinto T18 2023
Composition: Exclusively red varieties from an old vineyard. This wine has an oxidative nose with cherries and strawberries, marked by clay influence and a fine texture ending with herbal and spicy notes.
Rating: 90/100 -
Arundel Great Tinto 2024
Varietal: Trincadeira from an ancient vineyard, aged in barrels. It showcases concentrated, vivid blackberry fruit leading to a warm, spicy finish.
Rating: 91/100
These wines not only pay homage to the family’s historical roots but also represent a blend of tradition and modern winemaking excellence in the Alentejo region.