In the Sintra municipality there is a small viticultural area that produces a ruby colour wine that with aging acquires an exceptional velvety character and bouquet. It takes several years for the Colares wine to reach maximum quality, although the minimum aging period is 18 months. Due to the long aging period imposed, sales are very limited, making the Colares region a sort of «sanctuary» for connoisseurs of this wine.
The vines of this region have very particular characteristics, due to the proximity of the sea and the strong ocean winds they’re subject to.
Given its geological nature, Colares can be divided into two sub-areas: “sandy soil (the dune area) and the “ hard soil”(calcareous soil). The Colares wine owes its unique qualities to the grape varieties, the soil and the mild, humid climate during summertime, as well as to the fact that 80% of the vines are placed in “sandy soil”, true to the traditional practice of “unhar” - a process necessary for the ungrafted grapevine cuttings to reach the clay soil underlying the layer of sand.
The geographical area corresponding to the Colares Denomination of Origin is situated in the Sintra Municipality between the Mountains and the Ocean next to the sea, encompassing the parishes of Colares, São Martinho and São João das Lampas.
TERROIR
Sandy soils
VARIETIES
Ramisco
VINIFICATION
Mild crushing with partial destemming. Classic fermentation in steel tank followed by 4 years of maturation in exotic wood vats and French oak barrels.
CHARACTERISTICS
A very characteristic nose of this variety, associated to cherry and a light cedar resin. A dry and austere texture with a marked mineral acidity.
ALCOHOOL CONTENT
13,5 %vol.
RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE
25,85 €
REGULAR SALES OUTLETS
Restaurants and specialized shops in Lisbon and Sintra. Shopping centres: Jumbo Sintra/Cascais/Alfragide/ Amoreiras
TERROIR
Sandy soils
VARIETIES
Malvasia de Colares
VINIFICATION
Fermentation in “bica aberta” (off-skins) process, with slight skin maceration at the press. Fermentation in vat followed by maturation with lees and 6 months in exotic wood casks.
CHARACTERISTICS
Citric and cooked apple notes with a herbaceous background (lemon balm, bees wax,hay), with a long mineral-laden and saline finish.
ALCOHOOL CONTENT
12%vol.
RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE
22,33 €
REGULAR SALES OUTLETS
Restaurants and specialized shops in Lisbon and Sintra. Shopping centres: Jumbo Sintra/Cascais/Alfragide/ Amoreiras
TERROIR
Clay soils
VARIETIES
Castelão and Tinta Roriz
VINIFICATION
Fermentation process with 50% destemming, followed by fermentation in steel tanks and careful pumping-over.
CHARACTERISTICS
Fruity wines with excellent persistence. Fresh and elegant wines. Mouthfeel, pronounced fruit aroma , with a touch of wood and pine nut.
ALCOHOOL CONTENT
12,5 %vol.
RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE
6,82 €
REGULAR SALES OUTLETS
Restaurants and specialized shops in Lisbon and Sintra. Shopping centres: Jumbo Sintra/Cascais/Alfragide/ Amoreiras
TERROIR
Clay soils
VARIETIES
Malvasia, Galego Dourado Jampal and Fernão Pires
VINIFICATION
“Bica aberta” process with little skin contact with complete destemming and immediate pressing. Fermentation for 14 days in steel vat.
CHARACTERISTICS
Intense aroma, marked by citric and some tropical notes. Mouthfeel with a touch of mineral and marine aromas.
ALCOHOOL CONTENT
12 %vol.
RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE
6,82 €
REGULAR SALES OUTLETS
Restaurants and specialized shops in Lisbon and Sintra. Shopping centres: Jumbo Sintra/Cascais/Alfragide/ Amoreiras
TERROIR
Clay-limestone, better known as “chão rijo”
VARIETIES
Fernão Pires, Arinto and Vital
VINIFICATION
The grapes were harvested in the beginning of October. Immediate destemming. Fermentation lasted 16 days, with temperature control (15-16ºC) in stainless steel.
CHARACTERISTICS
The bouquet shows character of citric and tropical fruits. Strong presence in the palate with crisp acidity and mellow finish.
Suits a wide range of foods and can also be served as an aperitif wine. It particularly suits the aromatic flavours of Thai and Indian cuisine, grilled fish, shellfish and salads. Serve at 10-12 ºC.
ALCOHOOL CONTENT
12,9%
RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE
5,45€
REGULAR SALES OUTLETS
Restaurants and specialized shops in Lisbon and Sintra. Shopping centres: Jumbo Sintra/Cascais/Alfragide/ Amoreiras
TERROIR
Sandy soils
VARIETIES
João Santarém (Periquita) and Tinta Miúda
VINIFICATION
Classic fermentation process, with 50% destemming and fermentation in steel vats with temperature control.
CHARACTERISTICS
When young it has a ruby colour and aggressive tannins which gradually fade throughout the maturation in bottles; it then gains a complexity of characteristic flavour and a nutty aroma.
ALCOHOOL CONTENT
13,5 %vol.
RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE
5,00 €
REGULAR SALES OUTLETS
Garrafeira Nacional, Cooperativa Agrícola de Sintra, Distributor Carlos Alberto Silva
TERROIR
Sandy soils
VARIETIES
Ramisco
VINIFICATION
Fermentation in steel vats and maturation for one year in wood barrels. Vigilant vinification with fermentation with 80% destemming.
CHARACTERISTICS
Complex wine with light notes of dark fruit, balsamic acidity, nuts and cedar resin, atlantic acidity and accentuated tannins.
ALCOHOOL CONTENT
12 %vol.
RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE
15,00 €
REGULAR SALES OUTLETS
Garrafeira Nacional, Modelo (Lourel), Distributor Vinalda – Lisbon, Porto and Algarve
TERROIR
Sandy soils
VARIETIES
Malvasia de Colares
VINIFICATION
Fermentation in steel vats and maturation in wood barrels. “Bica aberta” method with absence of grape skin contact and controlled fermentation.
CHARACTERISTICS
Complex wine with salty notes, nuts and honey, atlantic acidity and freshness.
ALCOHOOL CONTENT
12 %vol.
RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE
16,00 €
REGULAR SALES OUTLETS
Garrafeira Nacional, Modelo (Lourel), Distributor Vinalda – Lisbon, Porto and Algarve
TERROIR
Sandy soils
VARIETIES
Castelão, Tinta Míuda and Periquita
VINIFICATION
Classic fermentation process, with 50% destemming and fermentation in steel tanks with controlled temperature.
CHARACTERISTICS
When young it has a ruby colour and aggressive tannins which gradually fade throughout the maturation in bottles; it then gains a complexity of characteristic flavour and a nutty aroma.
ALCOHOOL CONTENT
13,5 %vol.
RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE
6,00 €
REGULAR SALES OUTLETS
Garrafeira Nacional, Cooperativa Agrícola de Sintra, Distributor Carlos Alberto Silva
