Gota (meaning “Drop” in Portuguese) is the creation of former Tesco wine buyer Natalia Jessa. Originally from Poland, Jessa found her way to Portugal by way of England and Ireland. Upon relocating to Oporto, she was able to leverage her experience with distribution to collaborate with some of the country’s best wine growers. Her ethos, to offer authentic Portuguese wines from indegenous grape varieties at an affordable price. In her words - “Drink it, don’t overthink it.” Having established a foothold in multiple wine regions, Jessa orchestrates everything in partnership with a “winemaker on the ground.” This collaborative approach allows her to obtain the best organically farmed grapes possible. In the cellar the wines are made with as little manipulation as possible, allowing the typicity of the grape variety and region to show through. Gota illustrates yet again that Portuguese wines over-deliver for price and deserve a place in any wine drinkers collection.The Prunus Private Selection Tinto is made from a cépage of 80% Jaen (aka Mencia), 10% Tinta Roriz, 5% Alfrocheiro Preto and 5% Touriga Nacional. Prior to fermentation, the grapes were cold soaked for 24 hours to gently extract color and complexity. Once the wine was vinified, it underwent malolactic conversion in 225 liters old barrels and then aging in French and Portuguese barrels for 6 months. The result - a wine with lovely concentration and elegance. On the medium bodied palate you discover plush notes of plums, mulberries, black cherries, black raspberries, and oak spice. Silky tannins and a soft finish make this the ideal barbecue or picnic wine.
