Carlos Lucas Vinhos
A pioneer of modern-style Portuguese wines and a talented winemaker with nearly 30 years of experience, he has replanted the vineyards at Quinta do Ribeiro Santo where his Dão wines are created from the area’s thin granitic soils. His commitment to the region was affirmed when he acquired Quinta de Santa Maria in Cabanas de Viriato, a 10ha plot of old vines planted with Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alfrochiero and Jaen. The vineyards are worked using an integrated crop management system, with the grapes harvested by hand in small boxes and the carefully selected to preserve their varietal expression. Carlos’s other projects take him across the country and with his latest addition, ‘A River Runs Through It’ from the Douro, we can see his immeasurable talent on display once again.
Viticulture
Driven by a passion for vineyard excellence, the company’s approach is focused on crafting wines that balance authenticity, elegance and long-term quality. By combining carefully selected grape varieties with meticulous vineyard stewardship, the aim is to produce wines that express purity of fruit, a strong sense of identity and exceptional consistency from vintage to vintage. At the heart of the philosophy is a commitment to creating distinctive, characterful wines that are both approachable and age-worthy. The portfolio is designed to offer a diverse range of styles, each shaped by its unique growing environment and guided by a dedication to quality, refinement and the enduring art of winemaking
Winemaking
The winemaking philosophy is rooted in a balance of tradition and innovation, with a focus on preserving the natural character of the fruit while using modern techniques to ensure precision and quality. A low-intervention approach is favoured wherever possible, including the use of indigenous yeasts, carefully controlled fermentations and thoughtful maturation programmes that enhance complexity without overshadowing varietal expression. Traditional methods are respected and reinterpreted to create wines that are both authentic and contemporary. By marrying craftsmanship, patience and innovation, the winery seeks to deliver distinctive wines that offer immediate appeal while rewarding further ageing.
Highlights
- Crafting authentic, expressive wines through meticulous vineyard stewardship and a deep respect for terroir.
- Blending tradition and innovation with low-intervention winemaking to preserve purity, character and balance.
- Elegant, age-worthy wines with distinctive identities, exceptional quality and lasting appeal from native varietals.
