All grapes are harvested manually and then placed onto a selection tray where only the best bunches will enter the winery. Destemming and crushing follow, where the grapes are then transferred to temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and alcoholic and malolactic fermentation takes place. Maceration lasts for approximately 20 days, using the delestage technique. The wine is then aged for 24 to 30 months in 225 litre French oak barrels (new and used). The final blend ages for another 6 years in the bottle before being released to the market.

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Bairrada has long been known for its outstanding sparkling wines. In recent decades, it has gained acclaim for still reds and whites. Today, winemakers blend native Portuguese grapes with classic French varieties to create elegant, distinctive wines.

The region sits on Portugal’s Atlantic coast and enjoys a temperate maritime climate. Limestone and clay soils dominate the gently rolling landscape. Notably, Bairrada shares climate and soil features with Bordeaux, including 800mm to 1,200mm of annual rainfall. Some eastern areas receive up to 1,600mm annually. Winters remain mild and wet, while summers are warm and sunny. As a result, grapes ripen slowly and evenly, preserving acidity and balance.

Quinta Colinas de São Lourenço

At a glance:

Colinas de São Lourenço is the Fladgate Partnership’s flagship estate in Bairrada. It stands in the village of São Lourenço do Bairro.

The terroir:

The estate lies along Bairrada’s limestone fault line, known for its exceptional viticultural potential. It includes 61 hectares of dry-farmed, high-density vineyards. Grape varieties include Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Pinot Noir. Additionally, Chardonnay, Arinto, and Sauvignon Blanc thrive here.

Viticulture follows a precision approach. Winemaking uses gravity-flow techniques to protect grape integrity.

The estate’s flagship, Principal Grande Reserve Red, blends Touriga Nacional with Bordeaux varietals. It undergoes extended aging to stand alongside the world’s greatest red wines.

In addition, Colinas produces sparkling wines using the traditional méthode champenoise. These wines use similar grape blends and reflect the purity of limestone soils. Thanks to meticulous winemaking, they rank among Portugal’s finest sparkling wines.

The Essence of Bairrada

Ultimately, Bairrada excels in blending native and international grapes with elegance. Its still and sparkling wines deliver complexity, finesse, and longevity—born from one of Portugal’s most exciting terroirs.

To explore the other Mentzendorff Wines in this exclusive portfolio – click here

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