At Herdade do Arrepiado Velho we have found a private paradise where unique wines are carefully nurtured.
Sousel, 40 km from Portalegre, in the Upper Alentejo, has witnessed the rebirth of a long abandoned spot. Herdade do Arrepiado Velho was built in the 19th century in accordance with the traditional architectural style of the Alentejo region. It has withstood the test of time, maintaining spots of rare beauty in a perfect state of preservation. Passion resides in each cranny, in each detail, both inside the house and in the surroundings.
That was the Herdade do Arrepiado Velho that the Antunes family found in 2001 when they bought the property to work towards an ambitious goal: turning Arrepiado Velho into a famous name and a symbol of quality in the Alentejo. The estate took shape. The family invested in quality and in the wines produced there – a beautiful image leading to best sensations imaginable.
The estate comprises about 100 hectares of great beauty. The lake stands out amidst the vineyards and olive groves, in bands of bright colours and tranquillity as only the Alentejo can offer. As a result of these special characteristics, the Herdade do Arrepiado Velho estate is proud to participate in the São Mamede Route, one of the three paths of the Alentejo Wine Route.
In 2002, 33 hectares of new vines were planted in a unique terroir characterised by steep slopes with schistose soils, mild temperatures and abundant water – natural features with great potential.
David Booth, who was in charge of the grape growing at that moment, teamed up with winemaker António Maçanita and they pooled their expertise, innovation and dedication, selected the grape varieties and created what is known as the 100 point vineyard – red varieties: Touriga Nacional (42%), Syrah (18%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%) and Petit Verdot (16%); and white grapes: Antão Vaz (22%), Chardonnay (8%), Viogner (30%), Verdelho (15%) and Riesling (15%).
Winemaker António Maçanita has now been joined by chief viticulturist Nuno Ramalho. While a new, bigger and better located winery is under study, the current one provides the most advanced technology available and is spacious enough to produce the unequalled and appealing wines that result from the sublime combination of modern winemaking that still respects tradition. Standards, rigour and quality are our keywords.
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