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
Clay-limestone soils
VARIETIES
Castelão, Tinta Miúda and Tinta Roriz
VINIFICATION
Selection of grapes at the entry to the winery, followed by partial destemming. Classic temperature-controlled tanning process, followed by a period of micro-oxygenation in large, centuries-old exotic wood vats.
CHARACTERISTICS
It as a deep ruby colour with garnet reflections around the edges, reflecting its complexity and ageing potential. Fruit notes such as cherry, strawberry and plum predominate. Nuances of sweet spices such as cinnamon, some notes of tobacco, leather and slight hints of aromatic herbs. Elegant and well structered. Present finish, ending with a velvety and harmonious sensation.
Gastronomic suggestions: red meats, game and aged cheeses.
ALCOHOOL CONTENT
13,5%
RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE
10,00€
REGULAR SALES OUTLETS
Garrafeira Nacional; Garrafeira Colares Wines; Garrafeira Estado Líquido; Garrafeira das Maçãs; Garrafeira Lisboa; Supermercado Amanhecer – Colares; Posto de Turismo do Cabo da Roca
TERROIR
Clay-limestone soils
VARIETIES
Syrah and Touriga Nacional
VINIFICATION
Selection of grapes at reception. Partial destemming. Classic tanning process with controlled temperature followed by a period of micro oxygenation.
CHARACTERISTICS
The nose reveals na excellent aromatic componente, a resulto of the combination of intense notes of ripe red fruits such as cherry and rapsberry, with soft floral and spicy hints like black pepper. On the palate, flavours of red fruit dominate, followed by spicy notes and a hint of dark chocolate. Polished tannins, balanced acidity with a persistente and indulgente finish.
Gastronomic suggestions: grilled meat, roast lamb and matured cheeses.
ALCOHOOL CONTENT
14%
RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE
15,00€
REGULAR SALES OUTLETS
Supermercado Atlântico; Kat-Quero Café; Mercearia Primavera; Mercado Central de Janas; Ribeirinha de Colares.
TERROIR
Clay-limestone soils
VARIETIES
Fernão Pires
VINIFICATION
Reception in the winerie with total detemming. Automatic crushing and pressing. Thermal shock at 14ºC and static defecation. Use of selected yeasts with controlled fermentation at 15ºC.
CHARACTERISTICS
Remarkable aromatic complexity, marked floral intensity, with notes of orange blossom, linden and jasmine. Slight nuances of honey and sweet spices complete the aromatic profile. Refreshing acidity gives the wine structure and liveliness. A light mineral touch and a soft creamy sensation provide a pleasant and elegante texture.
Gastronomic suggestions: grilled fish, seafood and fresh salads.
ALCOHOOL CONTENT
13,5%
RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE
10,00€
REGULAR SALES OUTLETS
Garrafeira Nacional; Garrafeira Colares Wines; Garrafeira Estado Líquido; Garrafeira das Maçãs; Garrafeira Lisboa; Supermercado Amanhecer – Colares; Posto de Turismo do Cabo da Roca
TERROIR
Sandy soils
VARIETIES
Ramisco
VINIFICATION
Wine carefully vinified using the classic “tanning” process with 50% destemming, controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a temperature of 26ºC-28ºC and pumping over. Ageing process in large exotic wood vats and later in frenck oak barrels for 5 years. It then rests in the botle and completes the remaining ageing cycle for a further 3 to 4 years.
CHARACTERISTICS
Medium garnet color. Intense aroma of acidic red fruit such as sour cherrires and redcurrants. Dried vegetables, dried thyme and some cloves. Tannins revealing their full potential, vibrant acidity imposing its presence on the evolving fruit. A markedly dry texture reveals its more austere side.
ALCOHOOL CONTENT
12%
RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE
60,00€
REGULAR SALES OUTLETS
Garrafeira Nacional; Garrafeira Colares Wines; Garrafeira Estado Líquido; Garrafeira das Maçãs; Garrafeira Lisboa; Supermercado Amanhecer – Colares; Posto de Turismo do Cabo da Roca