There is a new project in the heart of Alto Alentejo, owned by the Rocha family. The passion for wine dictated the purchase of Herdade in 2006.
Mario Rocha and his family were enchanted by the deer on the loose in the beautiful granite Alentejo mountain and began to transform the soils into vineyards and olive groves of 52 hectares. In Crato, in Portalegre, glued to the slopes of the S. Mamede mountain, this creates a unique place for the production of distinctive and superior wines.
Plantation of the first 4.5-hectare vineyard began in 2009, with Alicante Bouschet and Syrah grape varieties dominating the soil. In 2010, the second 4-hectare vineyard is planted, with the betting on Touriga Nacional, the red grape variety considered one of the noblest and most demanding in Portugal. Touriga Nacional has been an “ambassador of our country” due to its ability to adapt to climate change. Also in 2010, from the carefully selected grape variety stands Touriga Franca, a grape variety originating in France and closely associated with the production of fine wines.
Herdade da Rocha reinforces the vineyard plantation in 2011 with Arinto which is a very versatile grape variety grown in almost all wine regions for its good adaptation to all climates. Alvarinho is still planted, considered one of the noblest Portuguese white grape varieties and produces a wine of great freshness and very high quality.
In the village of Crato, in the Portalegre District, Alentejo region and Alto Alentejo subregion, near the Serra de S. Mamede, a new brand of Portuguese wines is born, marked by freshness and minerality. At Herdade da Rocha the oenology team aims to produce fresher wines with more mineral characteristics that naturally differ from ordinary Alentejo wines.
Herdade da Rocha launched its first harvest in 2012, bottling a limited series 1350 bottles with the Couto Saramago label. In 2013 begins the construction of a modernly equipped winery, and only in 2015 the first wine making in the cellar of the estate. 2016 was marked by the launch of white and rosé wines.
