2019

When you visit Quinta do Ameal you imagine yourself in another world. The centuries-old winery is located in the green north of Portugal on the river Lima, surrounded by conifers, walnut trees and citrus trees. The nearby Atlantic Ocean leaves its mark on the climate: an average temperature of about 15 degrees and abundant rainfall ensure a cool, wet climate in which only certain native grape varieties feel at home.

Such as the Loureiro, the grape in which Quinta do Ameal has specialized. In this special climate, on a subsoil of deep, fertile granite soils, it produces mineral wines with nice acids and a great aging potential. In order to bring out the character of the grape and the area as much as possible, the winery works according to organic guidelines. The grape and its terroir lead to elegant, fresh wines with little alcohol and a lot of fruit expression that can also ripen excellently. In this sense, the wines can be compared to Riesling of level from the Moselle or Rheingau and fits perfectly in the trend towards complex elegant ones which remain relatively low in alcohol.

Quinta do Ameal is located in an 18th century parish. At that time wine was already made here by the monks. The cellars have since been modernized and parts of the building have been converted into luxurious guest accommodations. The house owns 30 hectares of land, of which 14 hectares are planted with the loureiro grape. The remaining 16 hectares consist of beautifully landscaped gardens, forests and verdant riverbanks. Since 2019, the winery has been owned by the famous Esporão. Despite the fame and size of this winery, the authentic character and small scale of Quinta do Ameal are cherished. The house belongs to the top of the Vinho Verde. The wines are served in the best restaurants in the world and are regularly awarded prizes at leading international wine competitions.