Quinta do Infantado
Nestled in the heart of Portugal's Douro Valley, Quinta do Infantado boasts a rich history dating back to 1816. Founded for King D. Pedro IV, this estate has been meticulously cared for by the Roseira family for over a century. Situated near Pinhão in the renowned Vale de Gontelho micro-region, Quinta do Infantado benefits from a terroir celebrated for its exceptional winemaking potential.
For six generations, the Roseira family, originally from Covas do Douro, has dedicated itself to the pursuit of exceptional quality. João Lopes Roseira initiated the production of fortified wines upon acquiring Quinta do Infantado. However, it was his sons, Luís and António, who truly revolutionized the Douro Valley wine scene. In 1979, they defied the long-held monopoly of Vila Nova de Gaia's négociants by becoming the first to estate-bottle their wines at Quinta do Infantado.
Despite Luís and António's passing, their legacy of innovation thrives. Quinta do Infantado remains committed to traditional methods while embracing sustainable practices. They were pioneers in introducing organic Port wines, and their entire production process is built around sustainability. Notably, foot-treading remains a cornerstone of their winemaking philosophy.
The heart of Quinta do Infantado lies in its 46 hectares of vineyards, all classified as ‘A’ – the highest designation within the Douro Demarcated Region. This classification signifies exceptional quality. Notably, 12 hectares are dedicated to certified organic viticulture, with the remaining 34 hectares practicing sustainable viticulture methods. The schistose soils are naturally poor, fostering concentrated grape flavors.
The vineyards themselves boast a captivating diversity. Planted across various exposures and altitudes, ranging from 150 to 350 meters, the vines are the result of a meticulous selection process, encompassing over 20 Douro grape varieties, both red and white. This remarkable biodiversity allows Quinta do Infantado to produce a stunning range of wines without resorting to excessive manipulation.
Among these vineyards, Serra de Baixo stands out as the crown jewel, boasting vines exceeding 100 years in age. Other noteworthy parcels include Vale de Moinhos, Serra de Cotas, Lapa, and Castelos. Interestingly, during the planting of the Castelos vineyard in the early 20th century, the discovery of ancient coins lent credence to the theory that this was the original location of the village of Covas do Douro.
The vineyard landscape has seen some evolution over time. In the 1970s, specific parcels in Vale de Moinhos, Castelos, Lapa, and Barreiros were replanted. Serra de Cima followed suit in 1981 and 1982. Portugal's entry into the European Union in the late 1980s marked a period of further development, with the planting of Serra Douro and the replanting of Serra de Cotas. Finally, Pousado, the youngest vineyard at over 20 years old, was replanted in 1998.
Quinta do Infantado's story is one of unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. With a deep respect for tradition and a relentless pursuit of excellence, they continue to craft exceptional wines that showcase the unique character of the Douro Valley.
