Tras-Os-Montes : the Roman influence persists around the Douro and its rivers. It is only natural that wine should have a prominent place there.
The purpose of Palmeirim de Inglaterra wine is very simple : the farm of one of the three owners dating back to the beginning of the 17th century had the purpose of producing wine…
If this was lost at the beginning of the 20th century, it is now coming back with a bang.
With distinct wine estates located in Oura, Selhariz, Faiões and Vila Verde da Railes, the blending of terroirs and grape varieties is the basis of Palmeirim de Inglaterra wines.
The granitic, sandy and schistose soils of the Tràs-Os-Montes region, its harsh climate (suffocating summers and freezing winters) and its relief could make it an unfriendly area and yet the wine does well here. It cannot be said that its reputation is great, but this should change quickly as the quality/price ratio is probably the most affordable in the country.
The grape varieties are mainly Portuguese. The grapes are harvested manually by variety and the wine is made in a traditional press where innovations have been made to ensure fermentation with temperature control. Rui Cunha and Sérgio Alves are the winemakers responsible for the 4 different wines produced from local grape varieties.
Palmeirim d’Inglaterra is the fruit, or rather the juice, of the union of three cousins rooted in the Tras-Os-Montes region. This is their story:
Isabel Sarmento, an economist, Rodrigo Sà Fernandes, a lawyer, and Joao Moraes Sarmento, a lawyer, have in common the family, the local vibes, the lands and the will to make this part of the country known. The will is very noble. The buildings are superb in their simple appearance made of stones and vaulted frameworks.
This common desire to revitalise the north-east of Portugal has led them to add the skill of winemaker to their respective professions.
That’s all it took to create the wine tasted at this tchin-tchin tasting.
Let’s dig in and shore up the label… PALMEIRIM D’Inglaterra wine owes its name to a famous 19th century chivalry novel written by Francisco de Moraes, a common ancestor of the owners of these quintas. « De por si es muy bueno » is how Miguel Cervantes described this work in Don Quixote de la Mancha.
The labels were designed by Augusto Cid.
Aromas : Elegant, with good intensity and complexity, reminiscent of citrus aromas such as grapefruit, white flowers and ripe tropical fruit, complemented by light mineral notes. Grape varieties : Arinto, Malvasia Fina, Roupeiro, Moscatel Galego Branco.
Aromas : Fine and elegant, of good intensity, reminiscent of blackcurrant and sweet aromas. Grape varieties : Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca
Aromas : Elegant and of good intensity. In evidence, the aromas are reminiscent of ripe red fruit and the forest. Grape varieties : Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Alicante Bouschet and Touriga Nacional
Aromas : Elegant and of good intensity.The aromas are reminiscent of ripe red fruit and light woody notes, combined with fine notes from the wood ageing process, which adds complexity to the whole. Grape varieties : Tinta Roriz, Tinta-Barroca, Alicante-Bouschet and Touriga-Nacional.
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To go further :
1- Lisbon wine tasting, through a private visit. Click here for more information.
2- Portugal wine guide. Discover the most complete post on the wine regions of Portugal.