Let's talk little, let's talk wine
Located on the granite plateau of Vila Nova de Tazem, in the heart of the Serra da Estrela sub-region in Dão, the Casa da Passarella vineyard benefits from high altitudes and significant diurnal temperature variations. The plots for the O Fugitivo Bastardo Tinto cuvée come from old vines rooted in poor, predominantly granitic soils, which bring freshness and finesse. The continental climate, tempered by the influence of the surrounding mountains, promotes a slow maturation of the grapes and a very pure expression of the Bastardo grape variety.
The Bastardo grapes are harvested manually from the estate's old vines, then sorted before partial destemming. Fermentation takes place in tanks, with skin maceration designed to gently extract color and tannins, favoring gentle pump-overs. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels to refine its structure and preserve the unique character of the grape variety, before being bottled without rushing, with minimal intervention to respect the purest expression of the Serra da Estrela terroir.
This wine reveals notes of fresh red fruits, crunchy black fruits, and wild strawberry, complemented by delicate floral touches, subtle spicy nuances, and a lightly integrated woody character. On the palate, the texture is slender, with a silky feel, a lively acidity that extends the tasting experience, fine and precise tannins, and a persistent finish marked by a pleasant sensation of freshness and tension.
Where are we traveling?
Beira Interior
It lies in the mountainous hinterland of east-central Portugal, backing onto the Spanish border, in a wild and remote region dominated by the Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal. The vineyards are spread across three sub-regions – Castelo Rodrigo, Pinhel and Cova da Beira – at altitudes of between 400 and 700 metres, on arid granite and schist soils strewn with boulders and swept by winds from the Castilian plateau. Winegrowing here dates back to Roman times, but it was the medieval religious orders, notably the Templars and the Cistercians, who shaped the vineyards around their fortified monasteries, in a region long marked by border wars with Castile. For centuries, Beira Interior remained a land of small-scale peasant winegrowing, little known and overlooked in favour of the coastal regions, until a new generation of winemakers rediscovered, in the 2000s, the extraordinary potential of its old high-altitude vines and indigenous grape varieties. The climate is harsh and continental, with icy winters, scorching summers and spectacular differences between day and night temperatures, which give the grapes remarkable freshness and natural acidity for such a southerly latitude. Beira Interior has made its name with deep, elegant reds from Touriga Nacional, Rufete and Tinta Roriz, vibrant, mineral whites from Síria, Fonte Cal and Arinto, and a handful of daring high-altitude cuvées that rank among the most exciting discoveries in Portugal today.
The little history of the country
Portugal
Portugal's rich history is inextricably linked to its wines, especially its most famous, Port. From the ancient cities of Lisbon and Porto to small medieval towns and Roman ruins, the past is still very much alive in modern Portugal. A wonderful holiday in the heart of this country, where Port wines originated, is a unique way to experience Old World culture, the climate, the beautiful countryside, and of course, the delicious wines. Although the history of wine in Portugal dates back to the Romans, it wasn't until the early 19th century that the wine we know today as Port came into being. Portuguese table wine had already been in high demand since the mid-17th century, primarily by the British. To make rustic Portuguese wines more stable and palatable, small amounts of brandy were added to the wine barrels before shipping. Eventually, British companies began investing in the region and perfected the process of adding brandy during fermentation, rather than after, which helped preserve the distinctive fruity flavors of the red wine that were unique to Portugal's Douro Valley. In recent years, a small revolution has taken place in the Douro region in terms of developing modern-style dry red and white wines, alongside the very traditional production of Port wines. Table wines also continue to play an important role. Increased investment, improved winemaking techniques, and the modernization of the industry are yielding interesting results. What is unique to Portugal is the very large number (over 500) of indigenous grape varieties (though some are unpronounceable). Even most wine experts are unfamiliar with the grapes that produce Port, Madeira, or any other Portuguese wine. Like its neighbor Spain, Portugal has been experiencing a quiet revolution for the past two decades. The reluctance to follow trends and plant international grape varieties is now bearing fruit, and the new breed of wines, brimming with terroir and fruit, is more than capable of competing on the world stage. The unique flavors that characterize Portugal's indigenous grape varieties have become its strength. This is good news for those seeking a change from the ubiquitous international grape-based wines. The terroir is so diverse. From north to south, east to west, from mountainous to coastal vineyards, hot and dry or cool and green. In every style, from vinho verde to port, from crisp, dry whites to elegant reds, in so many different ways, Portuguese wines are unique.