In 1999, Fundação Oriente acquired the largest vineyard in Colares (8 hectares), with the goal of preserving this cultural and historical heritage, which is unrivalled in Portugal.
Acting via Quinta da Vinhas de Areia, Lda (our subsidiary), in the following years we worked to rigorously experiment with and evaluate the viticultural and enological aspects of the behaviour of the dominant variety (Ramisco), in the process acquiring knowledge that currently constitutes an asset of unmatched value.
The vineyard is planted with canes of engrafted vine “Pé franco”, in soil that is known as “Chão de Areia” – characteristics that make Quinta das Vinhas de Areia, Lda the largest wine producer (red and White) with the “Vinhos DOP Colares” certification.
The work we have been doing with the vines has enabled us to achieve a slow, progressive and complete ripening of the grapes, which in turn allows us to produce wines with excellent acidity, low pHs and the varietal expression of the grapes.
