Description

What am I: Quinta do Montalto Medieval

The farm of Montalto has been owned by the same family for five generations. It consists of fifty hectares planted with vineyards, olive trees, orchards, and forest, which, altogether, appear as a magnificent mosaic in the landscape. The very interesting history of the family can be found here: https://www.quintadomontalto.pt/en#/a-quinta/historia.

Montalto is located in the central area of the country in the region of Ourém, near Fátima. In line with a tradition of Portuguese vineyards, several grape varieties can be found on the farm, in particular Aragonez and Fernão Pires, the most representative of the red and white grapes. They also have Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Shyra, Baga, Alicante Bouchet, Castelão, Moreto, Arinto, Rabo de Ovelha, and Olho de Lebre varieties.

Quinta do Montalto Medieval is a wine that dates back to the 12th century. The methods passed on to the locals from monks have survived for centuries. Medieval wine is a blend of local white Fernão Pires and red Trincadeira grapes.

Just as in ancient times, the grapes are planted at a very high density (about 7,000 plants per ha). White grapes are harvested by hand and separated from the skins in an old basket press. In this press, the must passes through a simple basket for filtering. It is then transferred into large old chestnut barrels. The barrels are first filled 80% full with Fernão Pires. A few days later the red grapes are hand de-stemmed and fermented for 4 days in a large tub. After this, the skins are taken off and the juice is added to the barrels. Two months later, the wine is either bottled or moved to a stainless steel tank.

Quinta do Montalto Medieval is a fresh and lively light red/rosé style wine that has incredible acidity, lively fruit, and dynamic personality, and is the result of this age-old method.