The fourth and final episode of “Portugal Wines: Tradition and Technology”, of CNN Original Series, ends the journey of discoveries and flavors in Alentejo, in the south of the country. The region is remarkable for the preservation of its historical legacy, considered Intangible Cultural Heritage by Unesco.
It is possible to see centuries-old buildings, a 14th century military wall and even Roman columns, reminiscences of the Empire’s passage there. This story also includes, of course, a lot of wine.
The warm and sunny climate of the region influences a very typical terroir, different from what has been seen so far in the series. The temperature yields sweeter grapes, which changes the character of the production. In addition, the heat changes habits: we see the consumption of lighter and fresher wines there, perfect for the Mediterranean air. Most estates also invest in olive plantations – a great accompaniment to some wines.
In this episode, we’ll get to know surprising drinks that unite the history of winemaking with modern production. We tasted a white wine (actually, almost transparent) that is made with the same grapes used for the red varieties.
We also know the “diving wine”, which is aged for up to a year under water, in the Alqueva dam, 30 meters deep. A hotel in the region is entirely dedicated to drinking, and in addition to offering pairing experiences, it offers the opportunity to stay among the local vineyards.
Check out the places visited in the episode below:
ervideira
The winery and cellar dates back to 1880, when it was founded in the Évora region. Today, it is famous for the production of white wines, with Invisível – which is made with the same grape varieties used for red wine, but processed in a different way, generating a fresh and almost transparent drink. Also noteworthy is the D1Agua Wine, which undergoes submerged aging at a depth of 30 meters, in a local dam: a creation inspired by the rescue of bottles from wrecked ships. The process, by controlling light, temperature and pressure, changes the profile of the drink and generates surprising results.
Address: Herdade da Herdadinha, Vendinha, 7200-042, Reguengos de Monsaraz
Contact: [email protected]
@adega_ervideira
L’AND Vineyards
A hotel in the heart of Alentejo, which welcomes tourists interested in local production with a themed ambiance, including the presence of vineyards on the ground. It is possible to stay in the middle of the cultivation, in addition to learning more about the production. The place also has a special restaurant, focused on Portuguese cuisine and its possibilities for harmonizing. In the local spa it is even possible to take a therapeutic bath with grapes: accompanied by a good wine, of course.
Address: Herdade das Valadas, Estrada Nacional 4, 122 7050-031, Montemor-o-Novo
Contact: [email protected]
@landvineyards
Carthusian winery
The winery, part of the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation, has hundreds of hectares of vineyards in the Évora region, and is responsible for one of the most beloved wines in the world: Pêra-Manca. The label, created about three decades ago, was the result of a series of studies on the potential of the region’s grape varieties. Part of the production is made in hoists, large clay vases, which refer to the tradition of Roman winemaking.
Address: Quinta de Valbom, Estrada da Soeira, 7005-003, Évora
Contact: [email protected]
@adegacartuxa
Source: CNN Brasil
