Description

What am I: Humus Branco

Encosta da Quinta is a family property, home to Rodrigo Filipe and his Humus wines. Rodrigo is one of the pioneering and most experimental and exciting natural wine producers in Portugal. A self-taught viticulturist, and former civil engineer, he left that career behind to dedicate himself to the vineyards acquired by his grandfather in 1960.

The winery is located in the demarcated region of Óbidos, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Serra dos Candeeiros mountains, north of Lisbon. In this place, the focus is on natural winemaking with local varieties.

Humus Branco emerges from vineyards that grace steep inclines, ensconced by an eucalyptus woodland. Across 10 hectares, vines flourish in clay and limestone soil, nurtured by the mighty Atlantic’s touch. Cultivated organically, no synthetic substances intervene. Harvest, a meticulous manual endeavour, unfolds in small crates with utmost selectivity. Within the winery, Humus Branco grapes undergo delicate pressing. The ensuing must embarks on fermentation with native yeasts, followed by maturation in well-aged 225-liter oak barrels. Ultimately, the wine is bottled, unclarified and unfiltered.