VINEYARDS
In the Vale do Forno, we have installed 10 hectares of 4 small vineyard blocks with completely distinct geological, soil and climate conditions that allows us to explore all of the enological potential of Bairrada. Today, about about 70% of our wines are produced from our own grapes, while the other 30% are sourced from small local producers. In 2005 we’ve started our project with only 0.5 hectare of a family parcel, and have been buying more land ever since. Our objective is to be 100% self sufficient within the next 10 years.
SUSTAINABILITY
We practice a viticulture that is based on sustainability through organic farming, protecting the region’s biodiversity. We believe that through this process, we can concede a greater authenticity and character to our wines. We resort to family labor and occasionally to some local rural workers, enabling a better use and development of the region’s capabilities and resources.
VINEYARD MANAGEMENT
The handling of each vineyard block is planned and executed according to the different soil and variety compositions and other viticulture factors, in order to achieve a complete and balanced maturation that has the specific characteristics of each variety and terrain. We decided to replant most of our vineyards in order to have a more balanced productions and maturations through the use of a different pruning system. In BAIRRADA, a traditional vineyard has an adaptation of the guyot system, which allows for very high yields. We decided to have unilateral cordon training with a higher canopy, which allows for better aeration and sun exposure, lower yields and better phenolic maturation.
BARRIO Vineyard
The Barrio vineyard is located in a valley. The relief is slightly undulating and the soil is of clay-limestone origin, from the Jurassic period. Here, we have exclusively planted Baga. This vineyard is divided into 3 plots: an old vineyard registered in 1932, which we call BARRIO VELHO (0.2 ha), managed in a traditional way; the portion of CANCELINHA (1.3 ha) planted in 2013; and the portion of BARRIO do FORNO (1.2 ha) installed in 2007, so called because it is located in an area where there were 7 lime kilns due to the great abundance of limestone.
VAL D. PEDRO Vineyard
The Val D. Pedro vineyard is on a hillside opposite to Rexarte. Separated by a small stream, they have completely different soils: clay-limestone and sand. For this reason, we decided to planted Baga here. Planted in 2009, this 0.5 ha plot with east exposure highlights the natural freshness of the berry.
FOJO VINEYARD
Vinha do Fojo is our most recent acquisition, and is located in the middle of the Val D. Pedro. This vineyard is divided into 3 different plots: Calçada Velha (0.48 ha) planted in 1995, around 95% Baga + 5% Bical; Calçada Nova (0.46ha) planted in 2007, 100% Baga; Fojo (0.78ha) planted in 2007, 100% Baga. The soil is mostly clay-limestone.
REXARTE VINEYARD
The Rexarte vineyard, restructured in 2007, is a hillside facing west and has sandy soil from the Pliocene period and is dedicated to the traditional white grape varieties Cercial and Bical. In 2009, we acquired a 0.5 ha plot adjacent to this vineyard, which has the particularity of being a transition zone between clayey and sandy soils. Here we planted Baga.
