The 2008 BRANCO (VERTICE) is a blend of Gouveio and Viosinho principally, with some Arinto, oak aged for 9 months. The oak has a relatively light hand here, not that it is invisible, but it integrates well and becomes a part of the whole rather than the whole story. This seems pointed, racy and focused, with fine flavors, some citrus aromatics and ripe, bright fruit. With its acidity serving it in good stead, easily cutting through the oak, this showed extremely well and actually reminded me a bit of the winery’s Super Reserva Espumante in character. Drink now-2013. Importer: V.O.S. Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 967-6948.