Marinho Vinhos is the passion project of Luís Gil, a winemaker deeply rooted in the Atlantic-influenced terroir of the Lisbon region, particularly around Óbidos and Peniche. His journey into winemaking, which began in 2015, was driven by a lifelong fascination with wine, fostered in his childhood by a cellar brimming with classic Portuguese bottles. Gil's philosophy is clear: to craft simple, fresh, saline, and characterful wines that are a pure expression of their origin, with minimal intervention in the cellar and without adding sulfites. This dedication to authenticity and the unique Atlantic climate defines every bottle he produces.
The production at Marinho Vinhos is a meticulous, hands-on endeavor, starting in the vineyard. Luís Gil has painstakingly sought out and rehabilitated small, often ancient vineyards, some with vines ranging from 40 to 110 years old, planted predominantly with indigenous white and red Portuguese grape varieties such as Arinto, Vital, Fernão Pires, Alicante Branco, Seminário, Sara Nova, and Castelão. These vineyards, located on limestone and sandy soils, are meticulously managed, with Gil himself selecting grapes one by one during harvest, ensuring only perfectly ripe bunches are used. This rigorous selection is a cornerstone of his commitment to quality and natural winemaking.
Sustainable practices are at the very heart of Marinho Vinhos. Luís Gil works organically, eschewing chemicals and synthetic products in his vineyards. This dedication extends to biodynamic principles, aiming for a harmonious relationship with nature and the surrounding environment. His approach in the cellar mirrors this commitment to minimal intervention: spontaneous fermentations are carried out by native yeasts, and the wines are typically aged for extended periods in natural materials like old wooden barrels or terracotta amphorae. The absence of fining or filtration and minimal or no added sulfites allows the wines to clarify and stabilize naturally, preserving their true character.
Luís Gil's winemaking is as much an art as a science. He lives to the rhythm of the ocean, finding inspiration for his wines, even their names, from his connection to the sea and the land. His wines are a testament to the idea that great wine is made in the vineyard, with careful stewardship and a deep respect for nature. The result is a portfolio of wines that burst with character, showcasing the distinctive freshness, minerality, and vibrant fruit flavors that are hallmarks of the Atlantic terroir and the passion of a winemaker truly in tune with his environment.
