Imagine the following climatic conditions: Vineyards extremely close to the sea, dense morning fogs, furious sea winds loaded with corrosive salt particles, and just for fun, add one of the lowest rates of summer sunshine in Europe. These are very difficult conditions to make wine. This is Colares.
The scenario just described required the development of unique cultivation techniques, perfected over centuries, to obsessively fight the environmental conditions.
The planting process is also very laborious. It starts by opening a pit that can go up to seven meters (23 feet) deep, crossing the sand layer until it reaches the clay layer, where the grapevine is planted.
As the new vine grows, the sand in the pit needs to be replaced over 3 to 4 years until the plant reaches the surface. The vine is then guided horizontally, parallel to the ground, so that it is protected from the winds.
The oldest vines with long branches stretching over the sand seem more like an alien octopus than a vine. When the grapes start to ripen, they need to be "lifted" about half a meter above the sand with the help of canes, so that the bunches do not come into contact with the hot summer sand, which would burn them.
By its geological nature, Colares is divided into two sub-zones corresponding to two different types of soils: "chão de areia" (sand dune area) near the sea and "chão rijo" (clay-limestone soils) located in the most inland part of the region.
DOC Colares wines must come from the "chão de areia" soils and produced from only two grape varieties, Malvasia de Colares for whites, and Ramisco for reds, both up to a minimum of 80%. Varieties that until very recently did not exist in any other wine region in the country.
"Old vines" is a term used (and abused) in the wine industry. In Colares there are actual vines with over 140 years old and are still productive!"
However, for DOC Colares, it is possible to incorporate up to a maximum of 10% of grapes (or must) from vineyards planted on "chão rijo". In these vineyards the Castelão and Malvasia varieties must have a minimum representation of 80%.
The white and red wines of Colares are recognized for their unique personality, but require some patience to reach their peak. In their youth, they can present some "hardness" and "roughness", which only time can soften and improve.
According to the rules of the DOC de Colares, white wine must undergo a mandatory aging of 6 months in wood and another 3 months in bottle, while red wine requires a minimum of 18 months of aging, with at least 6 months in bottle.
This careful and thoughtful maturation is essential to develop the aromatic complexity and exquisite flavors that make Colares wines truly exceptional. Therefore, those who appreciate the richness and elegance of these wines will be rewarded for their patience.
The wines of Colares are truly unique and offer an oenological experience that delights true connoisseurs. With a rich history and culture, the Colares region offer ancient traditions and viticulture techniques that date back centuries. This cultural heritage is reflected in the wines, which exude authenticity and character. And fortunately, more and more people are recognizing the quality and uniqueness of Colares wines.
More to come.
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