QUINTA DA ALORNA, Portugal

Sitting majestically amidst the Tejo region, Quinta da Alorna has a wide array of vineyards that are worked in a sustainable and socially responsible way, taking both the care of the land and the workers into account. Portugal’s trump card, its long list of toothsome indigenous varieties, is put to good work here: aromatic Fernão Pires, tight, minerally Arinto and the Portuguese iteration of Tempranillo, Tinto Roriz, are among the bevy of blindingly tasty components at the winery’s disposal, resulting in an accomplished range of distinctly Portuguese wines.

Viticulture

The River Tejo defines the terroir of this amazing wine region, which over the years has transformed the area into a viticultural paradise. The proximity of the vineyards to the river dictates the range of thermal amplitude, the vines closest to the river benefit from a moderating effect. Soils are sandy loam or sandy clay and pruned Double Cordon de Royat. The 160 hectares of vineyards are planted with grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante Bouschet, Fernão Pires, Arinto, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Harvesting is carried out by hand the rules of integrated viticulture used for pest and disease managment.

Winemaking

Temperature controlled fermentations in stainless steel/ inox after a soft pressing with some of their wines being aged in French Oak barrels on the fine lees. Each variety is vinified seperately and blended after fermentation. The reds generally have a 48 hour skin contact and may be matured in barrel or stainless steel depending on the circumstances. All fermentations are carried out with native yeasts.