Gerações da Talha
The story of Gerações da Talha winds its way through time, a testament to a family's dedication and a region's unwavering commitment to tradition. It all began in Vila de Frandes, the heart of Portugal's Alentejo, a village crowned the "capital" of Talha wine. Here, generations of the Caeiro family, including Teresa Caeiro's grandfather Professor Arlindo Ruivo, have been the custodians of an ancient art - the art of crafting wines in clay pots called talhas.
This legacy stretches back over two millennia, with evidence suggesting the Romans themselves brought the Talha method to the region. The meticulously chosen grapes arrive at the cellar where the journey begins. Destemmed and crushed, they are deposited into the talhas along with skins, seeds, and even some stalks. Within these vessels, fermentation takes its course, transforming sugar into alcohol. As carbon dioxide escapes, a thick layer of grape solids forms on the surface. This is where the age-old practice of "stirring the hoist" comes in. The winemaker submerges this cap using a wooden plunger, ensuring all the grape components mingle and contribute their character to the developing wine.
Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of Gerações da Talha's practices. The clay talhas themselves are a testament to this. Unlike some modern methods, they require minimal intervention, relying on natural processes for temperature control and fermentation. Additionally, the "mother," a layer of lees that settles at the bottom of the talha, acts as a natural filter, further reducing the need for external manipulation.
The result? Wines brimming with history and character. Gerações da Talha's Natalha range exemplifies this beautifully. The Natalha white offers a refreshing expression, while the palhete, a light skin-contact wine, boasts a unique texture. The red iteration completes the trilogy, showcasing the depth and complexity achievable through the Talha method.
Gerações da Talha is more than just a winery; it's a bridge between past and present. By preserving this time-honored tradition, they craft exceptional wines and ensure that the soul of Alentejo and the whispers of history remain etched in every sip.
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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.