A unique terroir

Within the legacy of our place remain bottles of century-old wines that have reached our time in remarkable condition.

How many places in the world truly possess the ability to produce still wines capable of lasting a century?

According to specialists, this is an extremely rare phenomenon, possible only in truly exceptional terroirs. Unlike fortified wines, still wines do not benefit from high alcohol levels or residual sugar—natural preservatives that favour longevity. Reaching such advanced ages is therefore an extraordinary achievement.

In the rare cases where it occurs, a combination of very specific conditions is essential.

Our location in Santa Comba Dão reveals a singular identity, where distinctive characteristics come together in rare balance.

The soil, of granitic sandy nature, offers excellent conditions for root development and a moderate water supply, promoting harmonious vine growth.

The climate, shaped by the surrounding mountain ranges of Estrela, Caramulo, Buçaco, and Lousã, combined with the influence of the nearby Dão, Criz, and Mondego rivers, creates truly exceptional climatic and geological conditions. Winters are harsh, with temperatures frequently below freezing. In summer, thermal amplitude is pronounced: daytime temperatures are very high, while nights become intensely cool. Morning mists introduces beneficial humidity, encouraging slower, more balanced ripening and imparting to the wines a distinctive freshness that sets them apart.

This unique and complex interplay of soil, climate, and geographical location—combined with entirely manual and meticulous vineyard work and traditional, artisanal winemaking practices—grants our land unparalleled conditions for the creation of wines with uncommon longevity.