Adega de Portalegre
Adega de Portalegre, established in 1954 by local winegrowers within the picturesque Natural Park of Serra de São Mamede, underwent a significant transformation in 2016 when it was acquired by the Redondo family. This marked the family's inaugural foray into the wine sector, building upon their longstanding success in producing Licor Beirão since 1940, Portugal's best-selling and most beloved spirit.
The driving strategy behind Adega de Portalegre has been a relentless commitment to quality and the craft of small-batch winemaking. The aim is to capture the unique essence of the Portalegre sub-region within the broader Alentejo wine region, producing wines that exude elegance, power, and remarkable freshness. With 55 acres of its own vineyards in Quinta da Cabaça and close collaborations with small, family grape producers, the winery thrives on the distinctiveness derived from utilizing grapes from century-old vines. These vineyards, perched at altitudes ranging from 600 to 700 meters, impart a unique character to the wines.
Portalegre stands out among the eight DOC (Designation of Controlled Origin) regions in Alentejo, boasting its distinctiveness in soil composition, grape varieties, altitude, and the age of its vineyards.
The grape varieties hailing from this region contribute to the wines' exceptional eccentricity, with a diverse range including Aragonez, Castelão, Trincadeira, Alfrocheiro, Touriga-Nacional, Moreto, Tinta-Caiada, Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noire, and Cinsault for red grapes, as well as Arinto, Fernão-Pires, Antão-Vaz, Bical, White Alicante, Malvasia-Fina, Dialgalves, Syria, Rabo-de-Ovelha (sheep's tail), White Galician Muscat, Perrum, Trincadeira-das-Pratas, and others for white grapes.
These grapes thrive in three key vineyard locations:
Quinta da Cabaça: Nestled at elevations between 600m and 700m, this 22-hectare vineyard boasts clayish soils adorned with granite outcroppings, influenced by both Atlantic and Mediterranean climates.
Serra da Penha: An idyllic vineyard spanning 8 hectares, ranging from 450m to 650m in altitude, with granitic soils and a unique blend of Atlantic and Mediterranean climatic influences. Here, vineyards are approximately 20 years old.
Small Producers in Serra de Sao Mamede: Vineyards scattered across the Serra de Sao Mamede region, ranging from 400m to 700m in altitude. Soils vary, with clayish soils and granite outcroppings on the Portalegre Plateau, and granitic soils within the Sierra itself. The climate ranges from Atlantic and Mediterranean to continental, lending a dynamic character to the wines. These vineyards, estimated to be around 150 years old, contribute to the distinctive terroir and unique identity of the wines of Sierra de São Mamede.
Adega de Portalegre is steadfast in its dedication to environmentally responsible agricultural practices, energy efficiency, reduced water consumption, and the use of recyclable materials throughout the entire production process, from vineyard to table.
The winery's formidable team comprises resident winemaker and viticulturist Miguel Sistelo, alongside consultant Nuno Mira do Ó, named the best winemaker of 2022 by Revista dos Vinhos. Together, they have left an indelible mark on the winery's portfolio, elevating its offerings to new heights of quality and distinction.
Miguel Sistelo - Winemaker
A native of Portugal, Miguel Sistelo is the driving force behind the winemaking artistry at Adega de Portalegre. With a deep-rooted passion for wine, Miguel embarked on a global odyssey to refine his craft, gaining invaluable experience in renowned vineyards across New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and, most notably, France. His tenure at esteemed wineries like Château Mayne Lalande, Château La Fleur de Boüard, and Château Laurence, under the tutelage of winemaking luminaries such as Hubert de Boüard de Laforest, honed his expertise in every facet of wine production.
Returning to his homeland, Miguel joined forces with Adega de Portalegre, a winery undergoing a renaissance under the stewardship of the Redondo family. As the resident winemaker and viticulturist, he is instrumental in crafting wines that authentically reflect the unique terroir of the Portalegre subregion. With a focus on quality and small-batch production, Miguel and his team are dedicated to producing elegant, fresh wines that showcase the region's distinctive character.
Leveraging the winery's 55-acre Quinta da Cabaça estate, soon to be home to a state-of-the-art winery, and fostering close relationships with local growers, Miguel is committed to sustainable practices and preserving the heritage of traditional winemaking. His wines are a testament to his unwavering pursuit of excellence, reflecting the rich tapestry of his experiences and the extraordinary potential of the Portalegre region.
