Quinta D'Amares

Quinta D'Amares has about 50 hectares of vineyards in the Portuguese municipality of Amares, in the heart of the Vinho Verde Demarcated Region. The estate lies in the small village of Santo André de Rendufe, a land with deep and historic religious traditions.

The estate borders the Monastery of Rendufe, which dates back to the 11th century and was one of the most important Benedictine monasteries in Portugal. Its church, largely rebuilt in the 18th century, is known for its rococo carved woodwork. The estate is enriched by this history and by the remains of its architecture, such as the striking 17th-century aqueduct, which is closely linked to the image of its wines.

The vineyards face south and enjoy a sunny position with particular climatic conditions. This combination of soil, climate and grape variety allows the estate to produce wines of real quality, such as its Alvarinho. For a traveller, a visit here combines a working wine estate with the history of a great Benedictine monastery in the green landscape of northern Portugal.

Wines from the Vinho Verde region are generally known as fruity, fresh and easy to drink. They make a great aperitif and pair well with light and balanced meals such as salads, fish, seafood, white meats, tapas and other oriental and international dishes.

Quinta D'Amares produces Vinho Verde DOP and Vinho Regional Minho wines, mainly from three white grape varieties: Loureiro, Alvarinho and Arinto. Loureiro is aromatic, floral and fruity, with notes of laurel, orange and peach. Alvarinho shows linden, honeysuckle, peach and grapefruit, with balanced acidity. Arinto is known for its fresh acidity, with mineral, green apple and lemon notes. The estate makes single-varietal wines and blends of these grapes, in still and sparkling styles. These include Claustrum, a complex and dry white from 100% Loureiro, and a Pét Nat from Loureiro made with the ancestral method.

The estate also values the sometimes underrated red varieties Padeiro and Vinhão, both local, and Touriga Nacional, used for its palhete, red and rosé wines. The Palhete is made from 100% Vinhão, with wild berry aromas, soft tannins and a fresh finish.