Soalheiro is Vegan certified

After being the first wine of the brand to adopt the sustainable bottle, Soalheiro Alvarinho Clássico is also the first in its portfolio to incorporate vegan certification.
2021 was a year of uncertainty in the vineyard, with challenges that forced winegrowers to take special care and adapted to the conditions of each moment of a year, which for viticulture was always unpredictable. Even so, the more than 150 families of local producers who work side by side with Soalheiro, despite the irregular conditions to which they were subjected, were based on a deep knowledge of the place and the time that passes from generation to generation to, this year difficult, to obtain grapes with unique characteristics such as the year in which they were born, with the usual quality, giving rise to a fresher and ideal harvest to work in the cellar, a characteristic increasingly valued by Soalheiro: precision.

After the debut of the eco-efficient bottle last year, which has since expanded to almost all other references, this year it is the first wine of the brand to receive vegan certification. Despite having been recognized for many years, this recognition stimulates the organization of internal procedures, reflecting them externally and, at the same time, ensuring consumer confidence. Reinforcing its positioning as a more inclusive wine, fully adapted to the demands of the most diverse consumer profiles, this recognition is added to the certifications already held by the brand, namely in research and development, environmental, among others.

For Luís Cerdeira, manager and winemaker at Soalheiro, «sustainability and conservation of the essence of production processes is part of our nature, the result of our respect for the Territory and for what it offers us. We have already embraced the organic certification of our vineyards, which has also allowed us to increase knowledge and biodiversity on the plots. Environmental certification is a reflection of the development of a collective conscience by our entire team. And the vegan certification now attests to what we have been accomplishing for several years, and which reinforces Soalheiro’s character as a brand that bets on knowledge to promote innovation and inclusion». In conclusion, he also states: «it is essential to continue working on the differentiating profile of Alvarinho and, at Soalheiro, we have tried to do so with a focus on consistency and innovation, trying to translate into each wine the respect for the work of the winegrowers and for the territory, recognizing in the certifications an engine of continuous improvement in the company and of transparency for the consumer».

Malhadinha’s first sparkling wine launched

The first sparkling wine from Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, the Bruto Natural Rosé, has just been launched, a project that the Soares family had already coveted for several years at the time when the Baga vines were planted on the property, a variety used to balance other wines. thanks to its freshness and acidity.

The new Bruto Natural Rosé is a sparkling wine from a single year, 2016, with Baga, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Miúda varieties. Developed using the traditional method common to the best sparkling wines and champagnes in the world, this Bruto Natural Rosé bottle aged for five years, having been degorged in 2021 in only half of the bottles available. This sparkling wine has a dry profile, as its name implies, and the ideal and preferred profile of great connoisseurs.

Herdade da Malhadinha Nova is a 23-year-old project in the Alentejo, in Albernoa, Beja. The first vineyard was planted in 2000 and, since then, the Herdade has established itself in the production of wine, having started the transition to an organic regime in 2016, with official certification awarded in 2020. Malhadinha Nova also started the hotel project 14 years ago. years, with a small house with 10 suites, but in 2020 it increased the tourism offer to six houses, with a total of 30 rooms, positioning itself on a level of luxury and exclusivity.

Malhadinha Nova is also committed to sustainability and self-sufficiency, with complete independence in the production of grapes and olives. The livestock, horticultural and stud farming areas are also developed and in transition to a fully self-sufficient future. Another novelty is the sale of ground flour through the new oat, wheat, dewlap and rye plantations.

The image, the bottle and the label represent a binomial of the Herdade: on the one hand, the brand already recognized by consumers, the image of the “spotted cow” that so characterizes the project, is present in the seal next to the neck; on the other, the golden concentric rays, which illustrate the sundial, the passage of time, the elements of nature and the seasons.

JMF with a special program for Valentine’s Day

To celebrate the most romantic month of the year, the Wine Tourism spaces of José Maria da Fonseca – Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca, located in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, and Adega José de Sousa, located in Reguengos de Monsaraz – created a special program . Until the 28th of February, all couples can enjoy a guided tour, followed by a special wine tasting paired with chocolates and the offer of a bottle of wine.

The program is valid for a minimum of 2 people and includes a guided tour, tasting of 2 wines paired with artisanal chocolates and an offer of a bottle of red wine. Subject to availability and with advance reservation. Price per couple: 35€* (VAT included). JMF booking in Azeitão. Reservations: enoturismo@jmfonseca.pt | +351 212 198 940 Booking visits to the José de Sousa Winery: Reservations: josedesousa@jmfonseca.pt | +351 918 269 569

Graham’s assinala o Jubileu de Platina da Rainha Isabel II

Graham’s, the renowned Port wine house owned by the Symington family, and holder of a royal charter granted by Queen Elizabeth II, has bottled an exceptionally rare Tawny Port produced in the year the monarch ascended to the throne: 1952. Over the last For 70 years, the wine has evolved in oak casks that were wine-vintaged in Graham’s cellars, in Vila Nova de Gaia, until reaching the peak of maturity. Three generations of the Symington family have followed the development of this wine throughout Elizabeth II’s seven-decade reign – the longest of any British sovereign.

Graham’s 1952 Single Harvest Tawny Port was initially bottled in 2012 to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, in a restricted edition of individually numbered bottles. After an additional decade of aging in casks, the wine has acquired exceptional grace, delicacy and balance. Graham’s Director of Enology Charles Symington selected the remaining batch of this wine for the exclusive launch of just 70 bottles (75cl) and a few ‘jeroboams’ (large format bottles: 4.5L).

Each bottle is presented in a purple box, with a statement about the restricted edition of the wine that commemorates the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. The wine will be available at the VINUM restaurant, as well as at Graham’s Cellars. Only a limited number of bottles will be available for sale at select wineries.

According to Charles Symington, “this is a truly memorable wine. Mesmerizing aromas of honeysuckle, orange blossom and almond merge with subtle flavors of caramel and honey, all balanced by citrus acidity. It is impressive to see how this wine has gained even more over the last decade, since the last time we bottled it to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s ascension to the throne», says the winemaker.

Johnny Symington says: “It is an honor for us to be once again releasing a limited edition of Graham’s 1952 to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Elizabeth II. The wine is a testament to the extraordinary feat of reaching 70 years of reign. This year we celebrate another significant milestone: the 650th anniversary of the Luso-British Alliance, the oldest alliance between two nations — still in force. As a family of Portuguese and British descent, it is very gratifying that in a year of this significance, we are celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a wine that has long been shaped by the relationship between the two countries», concludes the group’s president.

CVR Bairrada announces 2nd edition of the event HERE IN BAIRRADA

In the vineyard, pruning marks the beginning of a new cycle. It is also what we expect for the year that has just begun; We expect that 2022 will bring us a strong slowdown in the pandemic – if possible, its end – and a return to face-to-face events. It is with this in mind that the Bairrada Wine Commission (CVB) announces the return of AQUI NA BAIRRADA (ANB). After a two-year break, it once again celebrates the wines, gastronomy and culture of Bahia in this event scheduled for the 7th and 8th of May, in Anadia.

This event is the largest exhibition of sparkling wines, wines and flavors in the region. It debuted in September 2019, a date that coincided with the launch of the new identity and brand Bairrada. The Covid-19 pandemic stole its spotlight in 2020 and 2021, and on this return, in 2022, there are news: one of them is the change of the date on the calendar, with the transition to the month of May; there are others, but yet to be revealed. The venue remains, with a stage at the Anadia Sports Pavilion, and admission is free. The purchase of the official glass of Bairrada (€3.00) is reserved for those who want to taste the wines and sparkling wines present at the wine show or at the table of the local restaurants.

The Bairrada Wine Commission (CVB) thus once again challenges the producers of the demarcated region to put their nectars to the test, from great references to their latest labels. Among sparkling wines, whites, rosés and reds – all with certification of Denomination of Origin DO Bairrada or IG Beira Atlântico –, emphasis will be placed on the diversity and quality of the nectars, as well as the typicality of the Bairradino terroir, whether we were not there at the time of year. normally dedicated to the harvest, with the vineyards and cellars occupying the center of attention of those who dedicate themselves to such a noble activity. The affirmation of Bairrada’s identity is also made with its gastronomy, where the suckling pig will be king, accompanied by the famous Mealhada bread and other delicacies, some sweet.

The organization of AQUI NA BAIRRADA is in charge of the Wine Commission of Bairrada, Rota da Bairrada and the Municipality of Anadia, with the support of Tourism of the Center of Portugal and the Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho.

Casa Relvas with certified sustainable production

Casa Relvas is the first of the ten largest wine producing companies in the Alentejo to receive a Sustainable Production Certification. The audit report of the Alentejo Wines Sustainability Program (PSVA) recognized the sustainable practices in the various aspects – social, environmental and economic – carried out by the Alentejo wine producer. «The Casa Relvas team is very proud of this certification carried out by the company CERTIS in partnership with the Alentejo Regional Winery Commission», says Alexandre Relvas, CEO of Casa Relvas. “This certification reveals that the philosophy we believe in and that we uphold – and practice – is the right path. We believe that this approach values the product and the region at a national and international level, and that is why we work daily in the implementation of sustainable practices in the various dimensions [social, environmental and economic] and, therefore, this step is extremely important for us. because it recognizes our commitment», adds the official. The implementation of sustainable policies has been an integral part of the pillars of Casa Relvas’ activity since its foundation, nearly two decades ago. In the countryside, good soil management is promoted, the use of phytopharmaceuticals is reduced, the use of auxiliary organisms, the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity, the conservation and restoration of water lines, and the use of integrated production methods and biological. At the winery, energy efficiency and the rational use of water are priorities, as is the reduction of waste produced. Promoting the dematerialization of processes, as well as the use of more sustainable products, such as stoppers, barrels and other materials from certified forests, are also practices promoted by the company. Employee training is encouraged so that they also understand that the company’s efforts towards sustainability go far beyond the vineyard or cellar, accompanying them when they return to their families. Casa Relvas promotes continuous training, as well as issues associated with hygiene and safety at work, the involvement of the entire team in strategic decisions at an operational level, synergies between the winery and the surrounding community, and the leading role that the company plays. in the regional socio-economy.

These approaches are part of the sustainability commitment developed by the team of this family business, a pioneer in the Alentejo Wines Sustainability Program and with one of the highest ratings (3.8 out of 4). As an example, in recent years Casa Relvas has recorded a reduction in the winery of approximately 30% of water resources to produce each bottle, and all the water used there can be reused to water the vineyards, with Casa Relvas being one of the few companies sector in Portugal with a system for the reuse of municipal wastewater. As for packaging, the producer mostly uses cardboard made from certified recycled paper, and the bottles are produced with a smaller amount of glass, thus greatly reducing CO2 emissions from the company’s activities.

Another of the measures implemented is related to sheep grazing. Through winter grazing in the vineyards, Casa Relvas contributes to the fight against climate change, reducing the carbon footprint of production, since it reduces the use of herbicides – which are often products based on hydrocarbons -, and chemical fertilizers. , passing a part of the fertilization to be done with organic residues from the cellar and animal compost. In addition, the producer also avoids the use of machines to cut weeds, reducing emissions of gaseous pollutants and soil compaction. In order to quantify all these efforts, Casa Relvas annually calculates the carbon footprint and implements various measures to ensure its reduction. In addition to environmental policies, Casa Relvas also cooperates with social solidarity institutions in the communities, namely through the financing of various initiatives and collaboration with local suppliers.

In the financial dimension, the Alentejo producer aims to maintain a balanced economic structure, always seeking to have positive results and the ability to make the necessary investments. Casa Relvas believes in the importance of sustainable action in these three spheres – social, financial and environmental – in order to achieve the sustainability objectives proposed by the company, which aim to preserve natural resources to guarantee the future of new generations. Learn more about the Sustainability Policy implemented by this family project here. It is also worth mentioning that the certification of sustainable production was awarded by the certifier Certis, which, along with Bureau Veritas, Kiwa Sativa and SGS, work in partnership with the Alentejo Regional Wine Commission. Sustainable agricultural practices, the preservation of biodiversity, efficient water management and social responsibility projects are some of the criteria evaluated by these bodies for the award of the seal, with which Casa Relvas has just been distinguished.

Adega de Vidigueira creates a Sustainability Office

According to Porto Editora, in 2019, “Sustainability” was one of the 10 most used words of the year. Then came COVID-19 and the concerns changed. However, companies such as Adega da Vidigueira maintained their plan to restructure buildings and activities in order to move towards increasingly sustainable alternatives, thus reducing the impact they have on the environment, both globally and locally.

Cost reduction, use of renewable energy through Solar Panels, savings in water consumption, more ecological packaging, reduction of plastics are, for example, some of the measures that Adega Cooperativa de Vidigueira, Cuba and Alvito has been implementing throughout of recent years.

With the growth of this area, the Adega created a specific office, which will not only deal with environmental sustainability, but will also be in charge of all projects that may arise – Sustainability and Projects Office. This will be in the care of Rita Ferro, Food Engineer, who for the last 7 years has worked in the Technical Department of the Winery.

For Rita Ferro, «this was a decisive step for the Adega Cooperativa de Vidigueira, Cuba and Alvito», she says. He continues «In recent years we have made several changes to our structure, in order to become increasingly sustainable. All actions focused on increasing the quality of business life of employees, assuring our consumers that we are doing everything in our power to take care of the ecosystems and people of today and tomorrow. It is important for companies to be an example of the commitment to a circular economy, while promoting an increase in individual environmental awareness». Finally, he adds: «It is our ambition to achieve, as soon as possible, certification within the scope of the Alentejo Wines Sustainability Program, he adds.

19|90 Premium Wines launches Segredo de Saturno

The unit responsible for promoting the premium wines of the Global Wines group, has just launched Segredo de Saturno, an exclusive red, distinctly from Alentejo, which has a history of secrecy and mystery. Originating from the exceptional harvest of 2015, Segredo de Saturno is the combination of grapes carefully chosen by the oenology team without ever revealing the selected varieties, a unique blend that will not be repeated.

«This wine is a well-kept secret by our team of five winemakers. But the secret is not only in the form, it is also in the perfect combination of the elements of its terroir: the schist soil, the microclimate, the grapes and the oenological practices that, taken together, gave rise to an exceptional wine. A wine that will go down in history as a secret that can be tasted, but that will never be revealed», reveals Vítor Castanheira, administrator of 19|90 Premium Wines.

After a careful selection of grapes by the winemakers, the wine fermented for 18 months in French oak barrels (50% new and 50% second-use) and then aged for 48 months in the bottle. The Secret of Saturn is definitely a wine that has matured with time, this time that in Alentejo you feel slower. On the nose, it is intense, with distinct complexity and a mix of fruity and tertiary notes, presenting, in the mouth, a fruity, soft, well-structured, harmonious flavor with a distinct persistence. Ideal to taste, calmly, in a special moment.

O Segredo de Saturno, with a limited production of 5000 bottles, has a recommended price (RPP) of €60.00, and is on sale in the best wine cellars and restaurants in Portugal and in the online store 1990.wine.

Herdade Monte da Cal has 100 hectares and is a property of the Global Wines group located in the municipality of Fronteira, in the parish of São Saturnino, in North Alentejo. Surrounded by the tranquility of the northern Alentejo plain, Herdade Monte da Cal has planted the red varieties Trincadeira, Syrah, Aragonês, Alicante Bouschet, Alfrocheiro and Touriga Nacional; and the white Antão Vaz, Viognier, Arinto and Alvarinho. The architecture and decoration of the estate reflect the Arab influences, so present in the Alentejo culture.

19|90 Premium Wines is the division of the Global Wines group that is responsible for the marketing and promotion of single estate wines produced in Portugal that are part of the group’s premium brands – Vinha do Contador, Casa de Santar, Encontro and Saturno. . It is also responsible for managing wine tourism, which will be one of the biggest areas of investment in the coming years.