VINEYARDS
O Fidalgo
The installation of 35 hectares of vineyards at Herdade do Freixo, using plant materials of high genetic and sanitary quality and the adoption of conduction systems that allow an excellent microclimate of the grapes, combined with their implantation at an altitude of approximately 450m, which originates fresh nights during the month prior to the harvest, allow a long and correct ripening of the grapes. On the other hand, the property is limited to the north and northwest by the Serra d'Ossa and its buttresses, which influences its microclimate.
The soils are predominantly derived from eruptive rocks, of which quartz diorites and some rocks derived from shale stand out.
Herdade, due to its location and availability in water, presents a terroir with high viticultural potential for the production of high quality red and white wines and a unique differentiating profile.
The choice of grape varieties / clones suitable for their specific terroir, allowed in the case of reds the selection of the following varieties, which enhance the production of concentrated, elegant wines with a high potential for evolution in the bottle.
TOURIGA NACIONAL
The ex-libris of Portuguese red grape varieties. Presumably from Dão, it is currently cultivated throughout the country and also across borders. It originates full-bodied and complex wines, with an aroma reminiscent of black fruits and wild flowers.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Temperature demanding grape variety, which finds in Alentejo the ideal climate to correctly complete its maturation. In hot and dry areas, it denotes flavors and aromas of blackcurrants and black fruits. When it reaches adequate levels of maturity, it has excellent potential for aging in wood.
ALICANTE BOUSCHET
Alicante Bouschet is one of the French grape varieties that finds the manor in Alentejo to express its full oenological potential. Dye variety, fundamental in the elaboration of the great reds of Alentejo. It originates very concentrated colored wines (red), rich in phenolic substances, with a very evident vinous aroma, reminiscent of very ripe plum jam.
PETIT VERDOT
Good fertility and production variety. It originates vigorous, rich, colored and tannic wines. It is currently one of the red grape varieties with the best results in the Alentejo region, because even reaching high sugar levels, it maintains high acidity, which is essential for wines from the cellar.
SYRAH
Grape variety originating in the northern part of Côte du Rhône or Dauphiné (France), but currently grown all over the world. Variety of average productivity, sometimes high in some clones. Little sensitive to the ravages, but moderately sensitive to mildew, powdery mildew and rot of the curls. Its maturation occurs in the middle season. It gives rise to wines with medium to high alcohol content and with good color intensity, from violet to red. Complex and fine aroma, full-bodied, low acid, slightly astringent flavor, with notes of red fruits and a certain distinction. It also allows the production of fruity and interesting rosé wines.
In the case of white grape varieties, grape varieties with good structure and acidity, which make it possible to make great white wines in the Alentejo, fresh, with a good balance between mineral character and fruit, which are complex and also have the potential for aging, were privileged.
ARINTO
One of the great Portuguese white grape varieties, fundamental in Alentejo white wines, due to the acidity it maintains even when well ripe. The wines have an excellent balance between alcohol and acidity. The aroma is relatively discreet, with notes of green apple and lemon.
ALVARINHO
A great white grape from Portugal. Small bunch and very small berries, which produces musts rich in sugar and high acidity, excellent for white wines fermented in wood.
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Grape variety from the southwest of France, with a small berry, which allows the production of elegant, fresh, balanced and very typical wines.
CHARDONNAY
It is a magnificent grape and produces, according to some, the best white wine in the world. The aromas and flavors of the Chardonnay grape are fruity and range from apple to melon - in colder regions - to tropical fruits - especially pineapple - in warmer regions. However, it can also have earthy aromas, such as mushrooms or minerals.
With medium / high acidity, it generally produces rich and full-bodied wines. Ideal for single varieties and fermentation in French oak barrels.
RIESLING
Riesling is a grape variety from the region of Alsace, France, Germany and Austria. It produces high quality wines. Variety with high acidity and striking personality, it has great adaptability to hot or cold climates. Its wines have long-term aging potential. It also allows the production of sweet wines through the beneficial action of the fungus Botrytis cinerea, responsible for the production of the so-called "noble rot".
