Quinta da Vinha dos Padres: remarkable wines from Portugal’s Alentejo
These three wines, made by Susana Esteban, are really impressive. They come from Serra de São Mamede, in the Portalegre region of Alentejo, from high altitude (546-562 m). The old vineyards (100 years+) are planted as a field blend, with mixed varieties. Winemaking is in talhas (clay vessels) of 300-2000 litres.
Quinta da Vinha dos Padres Vila Maria Branco 2022 Portalegre, Alentejo, Portugal
Golden colour. Wonderful aromatics of apple, peach and pear with lovely spicy notes. Textured and full with a saline twist and some nice grainy structure. Notes of aniseed, dried herbs, finishing fresh. This is really beautiful and harmonious, with so many dimensions to it. 95/100
Quinta da Vinha dos Padres Vila Maria Tinto 2022 Portalegre, Alentejo, Portugal
This is a field blend red. One year in talha. Beautiful restraint and elegance with fine-grained red cherry and berry fruits, with nice dry tannins supporting the elegant fruit. Notes of clay and minerals, too. There’s a core of sweet fruit that is beautifully balanced by some grip and savoury detail. 94/100
Quinta da Vinha dos Padres Vila Maria Branco 2023 Portalegre, Alentejo, Portugal
Highly aromatic with dried herbs, mint, aniseed, clay and chalk. The palate is bold and richly textured with a nice pear, apple, peach fruitiness and then some grapey richness. And it’s deliciously stony and mineral. Shows so many layers of flavour. Ripe and rich but with excellent balance. 95/100
