The 2009 BRANCO “Q”(QUARTILHO) is also 100% Fernao Pires, more or less same as the regular Branco, reviewed this issue, says the importer. Similarly bright and refreshing, light and delicate, it has beautiful aromatics and an invigorating demeanor for such a light-bodied wine. In its price range, it is a very good value. Drink now-2012. Casal Branco has a lot of brands, which are often bewildering. Some seem largely importer-driven, with Vino Cava’s imports of Capoeira and Quartilho, in particular. If you are comparing, the Capoeira white is 90% Fernao Pires, with 10% Sauvignon Blanc, a blend for the importer (similar, however, to Casal Branco’s Terra de Lobos branco) , while the ’09 “normal” Branco just carrying the Casal Branco label with no other branding, also reviewed this issue, is 100% Fernao Pires. That normal Casal Branco white, however, to continue the confusion, is similar to the Quartilho white (with the big “Q” on the label), close enough to be called the same by one of the importers, also 100% Fernao Pires and unoaked. On the other hand, the Quartilho red, reviewed in the past, is different than the normal Casal Branco red, as the Quartilho does not contain any international grapes. If it is hard to keep up with the branding, one bottom line is that Casal Branco’s wines are usually very fine values.Importer: Vino Cava, LLC, Wayne, PA; tel: (610) 688-8415; for the Falcoaria and Casal Branco labels only: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, N.Y.; tel: (914) 664-3155;

The 2007 BRANCO QUARTILHO is all Fernao Pires from a single plot of 25 year old vines. It is unoaked. A bit herbaceous, it is also refreshing and bright, if a little light. I did like the intensity of flavor on the finish and it feels more substantial than its Capoeira sibling reviewed this issue, although it has a little less personality, perhaps. Drink it young and fresh. Drink now-2010. The wines at this estate fall largely into the value category. The whites, in particular, can be good deals that outperform their modest price class.Importer: For all wines except Quartilho and Capoeira brands: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, N.Y.; tel: (914) 664-3155; for Quartilho and Capoeira wines only: Vino Cava, LLC, Wayne, PA; tel: (610) 688-8415