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.
