Tapada do Chaves’ new administration invests on unique wines from a distinct Alentejo
On the slope of São Mamede mountain range and on a granite massif stands a “monte” (estate) where an old vineyard with more than 100 years old stretches out. On the outskirts of Portalegre, in the Alto Alentejo region, ‘Tapada do Chaves’ is a property that produces quality wines recognized for almost a century.
It is in this Alentejo, where the altitude and the temperature amplitude, together with a unique soil composition, create one of the most exotic terroirs of the country, in which Tapada do Chaves wines are produced, being a unique case in the Alentejo panorama.
Along with a strong family tradition and a history of passion and dedication to the land, Tapada do Chaves wines arise from the vineyards of the property with the same name. From the beginning they have gathered an enviable list of prizes and distinctions which can still be seen today in the different rooms of the property’s historical winery.
These renowned wines’ good freshness was praised, without prejudice of a generous and velvety body. The longevity of these wines, especially reds, is also one of its greatest achievements.
The “good freshness” of these renowned wines was glorified, without prejudice of a generous and velvety body. The longevity of these wines, especially reds, is also one of its glories.
By the end of the 1980’s, when Portalegre was recognized as a region of “Indication of Regulated Provenance” capable of producing Quality Wines psr (Quality Wines Produced in Specified Regions) together with Borba, Redondo, Reguengos and Vidigueira, Tapada do Chaves has earned a privileged position among the Alentejo wine brands.
The affirmation of the Alentejo as a quality wines’ producer region was also due to the excellence of the ‘Tapada do Chaves’ wines and to its recognition, thus justifying the Denomination of Controlled Origin.
Re-launching prestigious wines
The winery allows to combine the traditional techniques of vinification with the most modern technologies, thus guaranteeing quality and typicity to its wines. Due to its structure and construction, it allows all the work to be done by gravity, avoiding excessive pumping operations, gently extracting from the grapes only what benefits the wine.
The red wines age in Portuguese and French oak barrels at their cellar.
Besides the brands and its prestige, the estate has 60 hectares of land and 32 of vineyards, 23 of which are of red grape varieties – of the famous 70’s, 80’s, 90’s wines… -, and 9 hectares of white varieties, including two of the oldest Alentejo’s vineyards still in production, in a terroir heavily influenced by the orography (São Mamede mountain range) and by the forest cover, which is crucial to both the quality and typicity of the wines here produced.
The new ‘Tapada do Chaves’ administration intends to relaunch the wines produced in the property and to regain the acknowledgement they once had. “Tapada do Chaves wines have always been among the most prestigious wines in Portugal. Recognized for their authenticity and quality, they have achieved a mythical aura, being among those elected by an elite of consumers and oenophiles from Portugal to Brazil”, stated the company. Returning this authenticity to the “Tapada do Chaves” wines is the aim of the new administration.
José Mateus Ginó – Tapada do Chaves’ Administration
José Mateus Ginó told the newspaper ‘Mundo Português’ that “Tapada do Chaves – Vinhas Velhas” originates from the two oldest Alentejo’s vineyards, one dating from 1901 (red grapes’ old vines) and another from 1903 (white grapes’ old vines). They are the two oldest vineyards registered in Alentejo. It’s a great benchmark for Portalegre.”
About the renowned and recognized quality of the wines here produced the engineer said with confidence that “I can guarantee that this wine will be one of the wine’s icons in Portugal. We have already had some approaches by specialty journalists and they all have surrendered to it because it really is an exceptional wine”.
“We are speaking of a completely different Alentejo from the one we know. This is a different Alentejo and the ‘Tapada do Chaves’ wines have a different aging potential, they present completely different characteristics from all those produced further South”, he highlighted.
