The wines of the Lisbon region have often been overshadowed by more popular Portuguese regions such as the Douro, Alentejo, and Porto, for example. But with just one visit to the charming Quinta de Chocapalha, that thought of Lisbon wines as the 'other' wines offered in Portugal will be no more.
Lisbon Wine Region
On a recent trip to Portugal, I had the standard regions to visit bookmarked with planned winery stays, but I had a break in the itinerary and decided to spend some time in Lisbon to fulfill the gastronomic part of my trip. With that being said, the wine bug got the best of me, and we added a few Lisbon Region wineries to our city stint.
The Lisbon Wine Region is north of the city proper and runs along the Atlantic coast. It was once known as Estremadura, but in 2009, the area was renamed Lisbon to avoid confusion with the Spanish wine region Extremadura. The Lisbon wine region benefits from a maritime climate, with cool breezes that enhance the freshness and acidity of the wines, making them versatile and food-friendly.
The region is divided into nine subregions, including notable areas like Alenquer (the home of Quinta de Chocapalha), Bucelas, Colares, and Carcavelos. Each contributes distinct characteristics to the wines produced. The gem grape in the region, however, is the white grape Arinto.
To check out the wine expressions of Lisbon, we headed north, roughly 45 kilometres, to the family-owned Quinta de Chocapalha in the Alenquer subregion. There, we had a tasting and sat down with Andrea Tavares, the property's Operations Manager and daughter of the founding patriarch, Paulo Tavares.
A Brief History of Quinta de Chocapalha
The Alenquer region, home of Quinta de Chocapalha, was settled quite early. Archaeological excavations have revealed ceramic artifacts dating back to the Neolithic period.
Quinta de Chocapalha itself has a storied past that dates back to the early 19th century. Originally established as a farm, the estate evolved into a vineyard in the late 20th century when the current owners, the Tavares family, recognized the potential of the land for producing high-quality wines.
"Everything we do takes the land into consideration. It is the land first.", said Andrea Tavares, "Even building the new winery. That took some time. We wanted to make sure that the winery appeared as a part of the land. That's why most of it is underground. Minimal disruption to the land and the ecosystem around us."
The family has dedicated themselves to crafting exceptional wines that reflect their respect for the land and its terroir. Today, of the 70 hectares, 46 are planted with vines. The property also houses stoic forest areas, with some trees said to date back to the 14th century. Naturally, its perimeter is marked by well-manicured olive trees that add a hint of woody aromas to the air.
The Terroir
The vineyard is situated on an opulent landscape that benefits from a Mediterranean climate, and is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The vines are cradled, and also benefit from, the Serra de Montejunto mountain range. The soil composition is primarily clay and limestone, and it provides the ideal conditions for growing a variety of grapes, including the indigenous ones such as Arinto, Viosinho, and Castelão, alongside international varieties like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.
Sustainable Practices
At Quinta de Chocapalha, sustainability is at the forefront of their winemaking philosophy. The Tavares family employs organic and sustainable farming practices, ensuring that their vineyards thrive without the use of harmful chemicals. They believe in nurturing the land and preserving the natural ecosystem, which not only enhances the quality of their wines but also contributes to the health of the surrounding environment.
We inherited it from our parents and we owe it to our children. Therefore, at Quinta de Chocapalha, we treat nature with utmost respect. We owe it everything we do.
Quinta de Chocapalha
Quinta de Chocapalha Wines
Quinta de Chocapalha produces a range of wines that truly cater to every palate. From crisp whites to robust reds, each bottle tells a story of the land and the family’s dedication to quality. Their flagship wine, the “Chocapalha Tinto,” is a blend that showcases the best of their red varietals, while the “Chocapalha Branco” offers a refreshing taste of the region’s white grapes.
Aside from tasting their flagship red and white wines, I highly recommend the following should you visit the Quinta or come across their wines on your store shelves:
Arinto Antigo 2020
With just 12% ABV this stunning wine is the ideal accompaniment to any patio styled meal. It's intense nose immediately excites the palate where you'll meet mouth watering salinity, meyer lemon, pear, and green apple. Less than 2,000 bottles were produced from these 30-year old Arinto vines, so run, don't walk.
CH White
This wine is 100% Arinto and unless I told you that, you would think you were drinking a Joly styled Chenin. Complex from nose to palate. You get the lively acidity and zesty citrus one expects from Arinto, but the winemaking adds a nutty feel to the palate, along with honey, and apricot, and that's just in the first 10 minutes. Keep revisiting this wine in your glass and its grace and elegance continues.
Quite fittingly, this wine was made in honour of the Chocapalha matriarch Alice Tavares.
Castelão 2020
This red beauty yelled ripe red berries and minerals, which persisted from the front of the palate to the mid-palate. This was a refreshing light-bodied red that was dangerously easy to drink. Long finish and round tannins makes this a wine classed crowd pleaser.
Visiting Quinta de Chocapalha
A visit to the estate is highly recommended for those looking to experience the magic of Quinta de Chocapalha firsthand. The winery offers guided tours that take you through the vineyards, the winemaking process, and the cellars where the wines are aged. Visitors can also enjoy tastings of their vast array of wines, including those made from indigenous grapes through to those of international variety. Moreover, if you are just planning to stay in the bustling town of Lisbon, Quinta de Chocapalha is an easy day trip that will not disappoint.
Happy wine travels!
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