Located in the heart of Vila Verde, Portugal, Passo de Gigante is a unique winery driven by the friendship of Rui Oliveira and João Pires. These two passionate winemakers are on a mission to craft wines that embody the true essence of the Vinho Verde region. Their journey starts in their century-old family winery, Quinta do Paço, which they've meticulously restored. But their vision extends beyond simply producing wine. They see the winery as a laboratory, a space to experiment and push boundaries.
Sustainability is a core principle for Passo de Gigante. Their vineyards, nestled amidst the Minho region's granitic soils, cultivate a range of local grape varietals. For white wines, they use Alvarinho, Arinto, Loureiro, and Trajadura. Red wine production relies on Vinhão, Padeiro de Basto, and Touriga Nacional grapes. Here, chemical intervention is minimized. Instead, they focus on integrating the vineyards into the surrounding ecosystem and meticulous canopy management to ensure healthy grapes.
The soul of Passo de Gigante lies in showcasing the pure potential of these grapes. They believe in minimal intervention, allowing for spontaneous fermentation and avoiding filtration or stabilization. Their philosophy is clear: the wines are a genuine expression of the grapes and the terroir.
What truly sets them apart is their unwavering dedication. Every step in the process, from tending the vines to crafting the wine, is seen as a crucial "giant leap" toward their vision of creating exceptional wines. This dedication is reflected in the winery's name itself, Passo de Gigante, which translates to "Giant Step."
