The WINES from ESTREMADURA

Vine-growing and wine production in the province of Estremadura are traditions that go back several centuries, earning special mention due to the increasing notoriety of the Vinho Regional Estremadura. Consumers regard it as a fine alternative to very typical wines due to its geographic indication and because it is possible to use a wide range of vine varieties. Such is the case of wines with DOC designation (registered designation of origin) from Arruda, Alenquer, Óbidos and Torres Vedras, produced in the West. Even in a short presentation of the wine products from Estremadura, it is unavoidable to mention the production of the famous liqueurs and spirits from Lourinhã, as well as the more recent production of sparkling wine and fresh and pleasant light wine, which is especially suitable to serve with the typical seafood dishes of the region’s gastronomy.

I –COMPANHIA DAS QUINTAS

Companhia das Quintas (which means in English “The Estates Company”) owns and operates six wine producing estates in the most outstanding appellation wine regions in Portugal.

It is a consumer oriented Company with the obsession to create estate grown and bottled quality wines, based on the most effective relation between the best Portuguese grape varieties with the most exclusive environmental characteristics of each region, estate or terroir.

QUINTA DE PANCAS CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Since 1498, the majestic Manor House of Quinta das Pancas, and a unique terroir have given this emblematic property unique characteristics.

The manor has undergone several changes throughout the centuries. It still has a porch in Norman style on the entrance yard, and in the interior XVIth century Mudejar green and white tiles, as well as wooden ceilings, can be seen in some of the rooms.

Quinta de Pancas is considered a big name in Estremadura and well known among wine lovers. It has been a flagship estate for the Alenquer region for over 10 years and many local producers, spurred on by the success of Pancas vinification and bottling techniques have followed its example. The Quinta recently renovated its winery, investing in new fermentation equipment and top casks made by the best French, Spanish and Portuguese coopers

Appellation: Regional Wine of Estremadura
Region: Estremadura
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Alcohol: 14,50%

Variety
Cabernet Sauvignon 100%.

Vinification
Fermentation with maceration at a controlled temperature.

Ageing
This wine staged 8 months in French oak barrels.

Evolution
To drink now or to age for 5 years in the bottle.

Colour
Dark ruby.

Aroma
Elegant, complex and mature wine, where the spices notes are in balance with the fruit.

Notes of taste
It has s soft touch in the mouth but it is full-bodied and has a long after taste.

Recommendations
It should be served at 18ºC.

Suggestions
Quinta de Pancas is an excellent wine to accompany meat, game dishes and cheese.

MORGADO DE SANTA CATARINA

Appellation: DOC Bucelas
Demarcated Region: Bucelas
Region: Estremadura
Country: Portugal
Type: white
Alcohol: 13,10%

Variety
Arinto 100%.

Vinification
Peliclar maceration followed by fermentation in French oak barriques.

Ageing
It has staged sur lie for 3 months in French oak barriques, and to ensure full flavour complexities is stirred with bâtonnage (in the classic manner).

Evolution
To drink now or to age for 6 years in the bottle at the constant temperature of 17ºC.

Colour
Intense yellow.

Aroma
Very complex aroma resulting from mature fruit carefully selected and hints of Vanilla from fermentation in new French oak barrels.

Notes of taste
Extremely rich taste with balanced structure reflecting the natural freshness and acidity of the Arinto variety and the vanilla from the wood. Long and persistent after taste.

Recommendations
It should be served at 12ºC.

Suggestions
Especially appropriate to accompany boiled or roast fish cooked with spicy sauces, cod and roasted or grilled meats.

PROVA RÉGIA

Appellation: DOC Bucelas
Demarcated Region: Bucelas
Region: Estremadura
Country: Portugal
Type: white
Alcohol: 12,60%

Variety
Arinto 100%.

Vinification
Peliclar maceration followed by fermentation with controlled temperature between 15º and 16ºC.

Ageing
It has staged sur lie for 3 months in French oak barriques, and to ensure full flavour complexities is stirred with bâtonnage (in the classic manner).

Evolution
To drink now or to age for 4 years in the bottle at the constant temperature of 17ºC.

Colour
Citrus colour.

Aroma
It is an intense wine with notes of tropical and citrus fruits, with some very tenuous hints of pineapple and apricot.

Notes of taste
Voluptuous and heavy aromatic. It is a wine with good acidity. Persistent end.

Recommendations
It should be served at 12ºC.

Suggestions
It is particularly recommended for fish, seafood, vegetables and cold plates.

II – CASA SANTOS LIMA

Casa Santos Lima is situated in Alenquer, approximately 45 kms north of Lisbon, in a very traditional wine region and where the typical Portuguese rural landscape appears in all its glory.

Casa Santos Lima has been a family owned company for several generations and was founded by Joaquim Santos Lima, who in the turn of the XIXth century, was a great producer and exporter. Other cultures like apples, pears and prunes are also produced, though the vineyard is definitely the most important. The winery has benefited over the years, of numerous improvements and the introduction of recent technologies. A modern bottling line was also installed.

With the aim of producing and bottling quality wine, the company developed a multi-brand strategy, producing brands with excellent quality/price ratio, frequently considered as “Best Buys”. Casa Santos Lima also presents a strategy of great flexibility and attention to the specific needs of our clients, either through a quick response to their requirements or by anticipating market trends.

The vineyards are distributed by several neighbouring Quintas (Estates). They are located on gentle slopes of altitudes between 110 m. and 220 m., with excellent sun exposition and a climate smoothened by the sea breeze from the Atlantic Ocean, less than 25 kms away. The annual average rainfall is about 700mm and it mainly occurs between October and April, giving the soil (with good water-retaining capacity), enough water for an excellent plant development. The dryness of the summer months (June, July, August and September) and average temperatures of 21 / 22 ºC (ranging from maximum daily temperatures of 27/28 ºC to minimal night temperatures of 15 / 16 ºC), allow the ideal thermic amplitude to obtain balanced maturations and great quality grapes.

The soils are mainly clay and limestone from the Superior Jurassic, and there have been found numerous examples of maritime life fossils and even Dinosaur traces (Apatosaurus alenquerensis).

The vineyard re-plantation has been made at a steady pace since 1990 and over 120 ha have been planted with the noblest Portuguese varieties, with a unique regional character, and also, in a smaller scale, with the best international varieties.

A sustainable agriculture system is developed in all vineyards and orchards. The adoption of non-mobilisation between the vineyard lines, has allowed the prevention of soil erosion, natural yield reduction and earlier maturations, all important aspects when producing quality grapes.

CASA SANTOS LIMA TOURIGA FRANCA

Appellation: Regional Wine of Estremadura
Region: Estremadura
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Alcohol: 13,00%

Variety
Touriga Franca 100%.

Viticulture
Density of 3.500- 4.000 Plants/ha. Clay and limestone soils.

Vinification
Pressing after total destemming. Fermentation in stainless steel vat of 10 000 litres with pumping over system and temperature control to 28-30 Celsius. Maceration in contact with skins and cap (submerged) for 28 days.

Ageing
4 to 6 months ageing in oak barrels.

Evolution
The quality improves during the first 8 years. This is being recommended maximum storage time.

Colour
Dark and attractive bright ruby.

Aroma
Showing the characteristics of this unique variety, in an appealing set of sensations, the first impressions are fruits like cherries and prunes. Some toast and vanilla also mark this wine.

Notes of taste
In the mouth, notes of toasted wood can be found. Creamy at first, evolutes to an harmonious and persistent aftertaste, with young yet fine tannins.

Recommendations
It should be served at 18ºC.

Suggestions
Especially appropriate to accompany grilled and roast meat plates, as well as velvet cheeses, and pastas.

III – QUINTA DA CORTEZIA

Here in Quinta da Cortezia, we create wines from their own vineyards with flavours in mind. We would like Quinta da Cortezia drinkers to experience the pleasure we had in making them.

Looking out across Quinta da Cortezia vineyards, one immediately senses a difference. Cultivated with passion and a singular vision of 3 meticulously hedged vineyards are unique in this region. There is continuity in the way the vines are planted, tended and harvested that imbues each vintage with unwavering quality. These estate vineyards are blessed by sunshine and enhanced by good natural Terroir conditions, ideal for vine growing – clay stone soil with signs of Jurassic fossils sea-shells.

QUINTA DA CORTEZIA TOURIGA NACIONAL RED WINE

Appellation: Regional Wine of Estremadura
Region: Estremadura
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Alcohol: 14,50%

Variety
Touriga Nacional 100%.

Viticulture
Several viticultural techniques are used to enhance the needed flavours to create the final blend.

Vinification
The winemaking process depends also on modern and well equipped new wineries like the one in Quinta da Cortezia, which has been technically improved so that the grapes can be properly vinified and yield for some of the finest vines in the world.

Ageing
300 days in French oak barrels, 120 days (minimum) in the bottle before being released.

Evolution
The presence of phenolic substances guarantee long life and freshness.

Colour
Beautifully deep ruby.

Aroma
This is a fully ripe Touriga Nacional showing-off tons of fleshy plum, nice blackberry character in the nose. Really nice layering of spicy aromas as well.

Notes of taste
The flavours are almost explosive in the mouth. Similar ripe fruit carries through the palate with layers of spice. The structure here is firm and powerful. The balance is on target and should offer countless joy.

Recommendations
After oxygenating for 15 minutes in a large tulip-shaped glass it should be served between 16º and 18ºC.

Suggestions
To be served with good quality meats, strong and tasty cheeses.

QUINTA DA CORTEZIA TINTA RORIZ WINE

Appellation: Regional Wine of Estremadura
Region: Estremadura
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Alcohol: 13% to 14,50%

Variety
Tinta Roriz 100%.

Viticulture
Several viticultural techniques are used to enhance the needed flavours to create the final blend.

Vinification
The winemaking process depends also on modern and well equipped new wineries like the one in Quinta da Cortezia, which has been technically improved so that the grapes can be properly vinified and yield for some of the finest vines in the world.

Ageing
After a wood ageing of each varietals wine in French oak barrels for 210 days, as assemblage is made in an ideal proportion, followed by a 120 complementary stage, in the same barrels, in acclimatized wine cellar. Then, remains bottled for a minimum of 120 days more.

Evolution
Drink now or in the next 5 years.

Colour
Very deep black ruby colour.

Aroma
The aromas are of appealing ripe red cherries and plums with plenty of complementary sweet, toasted vanilla-like French oak.

Notes of taste
The mouthful is soft and round yet has a burst of cherry and plum sweet flavours. The structure here is firm and powerful, being a flavourful wine of also a good wine to aged. The initial entry palate is soft, but the flavours and intensity of the wine builds across the mid-palate ending with a long finish.

Recommendations
After oxygenating for 15 minutes in a large tulip-shaped glass it should be served between 16º and 18ºC.

Suggestions
To be served with the best international food and cheeses.

QUINTA DA CORTEZIA WHITE WINE

Appellation: Regional Wine of Estremadura
Region: Estremadura
Country: Portugal
Type: white
Alcohol: 12,50% to 13,50%

Variety
Arinto blended with small amounts of Chardonnay and Fernão Pires.

Viticulture
Several viticultural techniques are used to enhance needed flavours to create the final blend.

Vinification
The winemaking process depends also on modern and well equipped new wineries like the one in Quinta da Cortezia, which has been technically improved so that the grapes can be properly vinified and yield for some of the finest vines in the world.

Evolution
Ready to drink now or through the next 3 years.

Colour
Lemon-lime colour.

Aroma
Unoaked wine with lemon-lime and grassy flavours that are intense and vibrant.

Notes of taste
Lively acidity picking up tar citrus edge some almond butter notes, which carries the flavours on a long and complex aftertaste.

Recommendations
It should be served between 8º and 10ºC.

Suggestions
To be served with sea-food, fresh fish, oriental food, vegetables or just by it.

VINHA DAS CONCHAS “SPECIAL SELECTION”

Appellation: Regional Wine of Estremadura
Region: Estremadura
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Alcohol: 13% to 14%

Variety
Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Merlot and Alicante Bouschet.

Viticulture
Several viticultural techniques are used to enhance the needed flavours to create the final blend.

Vinification
The winemaking process depends also on modern and well equipped new wineries like the one in Quinta da Cortezia, which has been technically improved so that the grapes can be properly vinified and yield for some of the finest vines in the world.

Evolution
Ready to drink now or through the next 5 years. The presence of phenolic substances guarantee long life and freshness.

Colour
Vibrant ruby colour.

Aroma
A solid modern style, complex full body wine. Pretty flavours of wild fruits (blackberries and raspberries) and some chocolate well balanced with vanilla from short stage in French oak barrels.

Notes of taste
Being produced in the Atlantic Coast has a natural acidity, associated to soft and well matures tannins, which confers great elegance.

Recommendations
After oxygenating for 15 minutes in a large tulip-shaped glass it should be served between 16º and 18ºC.

Suggestions
To be served with the best international food or cheese.

IV – CHOCAPALHA

Quinta de Chocapalha is located in the surroundings of Aldeia Galega and it spreads over the sunny hills of Alenquer, a Delimited Region in the northwest of Lisboa. Its historical and excellent vineyards are known since the 16th century and have belonged to Diogo Duff, a brave Scottish man who received the "Tower and Sword" insignia, given by King João VI.

Alice and Paulo Tavares da Silva bought the estate in the 1980s and made significant investments in its 45ha of vineyard. The introduction of new cultivation methods has allowed the family to consolidate the quality and reputation of their wines. The well known Sandra Tavares da Silva, their daughter, is in charge of the Oenology Department.

The first wines were very seductive and showy; the following ones are in a slightly more serious, structured style. They’re very nice wines.

CHOCAPALHA RESERVE RED

Dark, perfumed, intense spicy nose is really vivid. Lovely boldness. The palate is bold and rich, spicy and full with good structure and nice freshness, despite the weight. Lovely stuff. 92/100.

Appellation: Estremadura DOC
Demarcated Region: Estremadura
Region: Estremadura
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Alcohol: 14,50%

Variety
60% Touriga Nacional and 40% Tinta Roriz.

Vinification
Grapes were previously destemmed and underwent a pre-fermentative cold maceration for 48 hours. Fermentation took place in lagares for about 12 days, at a controlled temperature which did not exceed 27ºC.

Ageing
Ageing and malolactic fermentation in 100% new, French oak barrels for 18 months.

Colour
Intense, purple colour with violet tones.

Aroma
Intense aroma of well-ripe black fruit, chocolate and floral notes typical of the Touriga Nacional.

Notes of taste
Concentrated in the mouth with well-ripe tannins and a long, fresh finish.

Recommendations
After oxygenating for 15 minutes in a large tulip-shaped glass it should be served at 16ºC.

Suggestions
To be served with the best international food or cheese.

QUINTA DE CHOCAPALHA

An eclectic blend that brings together Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet, Castelão and Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep coloured, with beautifully vivid pure fruit on the nose. The palate is ripe and full with vivid dark fruits and spicy, chocolaty richness. Very tasty. 89/100.

Appellation: Estremadura DOC
Demarcated Region: Estremadura
Region: Estremadura
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Alcohol: 14,00%

Variety
Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Alicante Bouschet.

Vinification
Grapes were previously destemmed and underwent a pre-fermentative cold maceration for 48 hours. Fermentation took place in lagares for about 10 days, at a controlled temperature which did not exceed 28ºC.

Ageing
Ageing and malolactic fermentation in 2nd and 3rd wine French oak barrels for 16 months.

Colour
Intense violet colour.

Aroma
Very concentrated in the nose with well-ripe fruit.

Notes of taste
Excellent concentration of ripe fruit and good acidity.

Recommendations
After oxygenating for 15 minutes in a large tulip-shaped glass it should be served at 16ºC.

Suggestions
To be served with the meat plates and cod fish or cheese.