Some of the world's finest wines are those
produced by a single family, on a specific estate, by succeeding generations.
If this weren't the case, they would soon have ceased existing. The fact that
they bear a family name is certainly a relevant factor, demanding the best of
each generation, a calling to love and dedication.
Nothing is flat at Romeu. Neither landscape nor
clima, neither people⦠nor aromas!
The Menéres family has been producing Port and
DOC Douro wines, hailing from 25 hectares (60 acres) of vineyards on its
estate, since 1874, that are (literally) those found further north in the Douro
demarcated region.
The vineyards, the olive groves, the cork oak
forest and two streams coexist at Romeu interlaced on their natural way,
forming a living patchwork with many birds, squirrels, livestock or wild boars,
that favors both the ecosystem and those fortunate enough to experience the
landscape.
The average altitude of the vineyards is 320m
above the sea level, with multiple sun exposures. Schist shale soils in the
transition to the granite. Dry climate, with both daily and yearly wide thermal
variations.
Viticulture on Quinta do Romeu has been organic
since 1995. In fact, the entire estate is currently certified organic, meaning
that our agricultural practices are chemical-free. The reason is a belief that
this approach brings out the best tastes and aromas to the products and that
both people and the environment are left better off.
The wines naturally reflect all this. Although
with the robust character from Douro, they show the elegance and freshness of
this distinctive location. There is a great dedication to grape quality and, in
the cellar, everything happens with a minimum of interference. Fermentations of
reds are made in granite mills with indigenous yeasts, the quantities of
sulphur used reduced and a considerable part of the oak used for ageing is on
its 2nd and 3rd year.
All grapes varieties are Portuguese and
traditional within the Douro Region. The predominant cultivar amongst the red
grape varieties is Touriga Nacional (which on Romeuâs terroir begets intense
floral aromas) mixed with other local varieties (Touriga Franca, Sousão, Tinta
Roriz, Tinto Cão and Tinta Barroca).
Whites are also produced from vines planted on
fresher soils: Gouveio, Viozinho, Arinto and Rabigato mixed with a field blend
of several other local varietals.
Quinta do Romeu marks a departure from the
monotony of the varieties most commonly used worldwide, using our own, local
and organically grown varieties.