Beyra
Beyra is a notable wine producer located in the Beira Interior region of Portugal, known for its high-altitude wines. The project was initiated by Rui Roboredo Madeira, a winemaker with deep roots in the region. Madeira's passion for wine stems from his family heritage and the unique land of Beira Interior. In 2007, he rehabilitated Quinta da Pedra Escrita, a family property that has been in existence for more than eight generations. This area is characterized by its high altitude and granite soils, which are sandy, poor, and arid, making it ideal for producing wines with aging potential.
The Beyra project is centered in Vermiosa, a small village near the Spanish border, known for its high vineyards, some of the highest in Portugal. This location, nestled between the Upper Douro and Beira Alta, is part of the Iberian Peninsula's rugged landscape. The vineyards benefit from a unique terroir, with old vines of native grape varieties that are well-adapted to the harsh climate and the quartz veins running through the schist and granite soils. These conditions contribute to the complexity, aromatic intensity, minerality, and freshness of Beyra wines.
Rui Roboredo Madeira, who returned to the family winery in 2011, emphasizes sustainable practices in his winemaking process. The grapes are hand-picked, and the winemaking involves full destemming, crushing, cooling, and fermentation at controlled temperatures. This careful process ensures that the wines maintain their distinct character and quality. Beyra wines are known for their unoaked expression of berry fruit and spice, with a focus on flavor rather than tannin.
The commitment to sustainability is also evident in the broader philosophy of the Beyra project, which aims to create a better world for future generations, both environmentally and economically. This approach not only preserves the winemaking tradition of the region but also supports the local community and ecosystem.
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Frequently asked questions
The entire country of Portugal is divided into 14 different wine regions, including in the Azores and Madeira islands. Some of Portugal's most famous winemaking regions include the Douro Valley (known for Port) and Vinho Verde (known for its light, refreshing white wines).
Portugal is becoming more well known for its orange wines, talha wines (traditionally made in clay pots), and palhete (made by blending red and white grapes together).
Portugal is best known for its fortified wine, called Port wine. It is produced in the Douro Valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognized as the world's first demarcated wine region, established in 1756.
Vinho Verde in northern Portugal is another popular winemaking region characterized by rolling hills and lush landscapes. It's known around the world for low-alcohol, refreshing white wines, although the region traditionally focused more on red wines made with the fruit-forward vinhão grape.
The Portuguese island of Madeira, with its subtropical climate, is renowned for its fortified wines. Winemaking here dates back to the 15th century, when Portuguese
explorers brought grape varieties from around the world.
Our sustainable, natural wine shop is located in the Marquês neighborhood in Porto, Portugal. We also ship to countries around the world, including within Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, China, and more. Review our Shipping Policy to learn more.
In recent years, there has been a notable shift toward sustainable viticulture and the production of natural wine in Portugal. Many winemakers are implementing organic farming practices and embracing biodiversity to maintain soil health and reduce chemical inputs. This commitment to sustainability is not only beneficial for the environment but also enhances the quality of the wines, allowing the unique characteristics of the terroir to shine through. For example, some winemakers are now utilizing ancient terracotta amphorae for fermentation (called talha in Portuguese). This method preserves regional cultural heritage, enhances the wine's character, and aligns with sustainable practices by reducing reliance on modern materials.