LISBON
Most of Casa Santos Lima’s estates are located in Alenquer, 45km north of Lisbon, in a region where wine production is centuries old and the typical rural landscapes are gifted with enormous beauty. The vineyards are planted in gentle slopes with altitudes between 100 and 220 meters benefiting from an excellent sun exposition and a climate slightly tempered by the nearby Atlantic Ocean, 25 km away from the property. This is one of the richest wine regions due to the diversity of grape varieties, type of soils and climate.
The fresh summer nights and gentle winters are a key factor for the production of quality grapes. The maritime influence contributes for the production of wines with a nice acidity, a very typical characteristic from this region. The soils are mainly clay and limestone, from the Superior Jurassic period and show numerous examples of maritime fossils, as well as vestiges of dinosaurs (Apatosaurus alenquerensis).
Also in this region, another wine producing company, the “Sociedade Agrícola Quinta do Conde S.A” (visite the site.) is under the company’s management.
ALGARVE
The wine culture, inheritance of the Phoenicians and Romans, was for centuries an important activity of this region.
The typically Mediterranean mild climate, with more than 3000 hours of sunshine per year, the proximity to the ocean and the clay and limestone soils ensure magnificent conditions for producing high quality grapes.
The majority of Casa Santos Lima’s vineyards are located in Tavira and the wines produced are characterized by being smooth, velvety and fruity.
ALENTEJO
The vineyards, located near Beja, are planted in naturally warm lands of continental climate with an evident Mediterranean influence. The low elevated soils of clay and shale ensure all the right conditions for the production of high quality grapes.
The wines here produced, demonstrate all of the region’s typicity. The red wines reveal rich tannins and structure and the whites and roses show great freshness and smoothness.
DOURO
The property was originally owned by the legendary Dona Antónia Ferreira (Ferreirinha). Located in the Demarcated Region of Douro, at an altitude of 600 metres it is an area known for the quality of its wines.
The majority of the estate’s total area is mainly covered with vineyards, of which 60% are white varieties (Rabigato, Códega do Larinho, Viosinho and Verdelho) and 40% red varieties (Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Sousão and Tinta Barroca).
The vines are terraced or simply planted in ridges carved out into the rocky soil, having an average of 65 years old, but many of them are over 100 years old.
In partnership with the “Sociedade Agrícola Quinta de Porrais, Lda”, the Santos Lima family is now responsible for the production and selling of the historical Quinta de Porrais' wines.
If you want to know more about Quinta de Porrais's wines visit this site.
VINHOS VERDES
In the 36 hectares of vineyards, located in the Demarcated Region of Vinhos Verdes, we find a diversity of the most noble and regionally emblematic grape varieties, such as Trajadura, Loureiro, Arinto, Avesso, Alvarinho and Espadeiro.
The vineyards are disposed crossways and in a simple string. Traditional trellised vines subsist although on a smaller scale.
Benefiting from a cool and damp climate with Atlantic influence, the wines are characterised by an aromatic intensity, combined with high freshness and minerality.
Casa Santos Lima now holds a majority interest in the capital of “Casa de Vila Verde – Sociedade Agrícola Lda” and it is now responsible for all the production and selling of its wines.
If you want to know more about Casa Vila Verde's wines visit this site.
Dão
The Dão region is characterized by the ideal sun exposure and humidity The vineyards are planted in shale or granite soils and protected from Atlantic winds by the mountains.
AÇORES
The vineyards are located in the Azores, on Pico Island. The volcanic soil, dry and hot climate of the wind protected slopes by stone walls, offer exceptional conditions for the production of high quality wines.
MAIN GRAPES:
WHITE:
Alvarinho, Antão Vaz, Arinto, Códega do Larinho, Encruzado, Fernão Pires, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Malvasia Fina, Moscatel, Rabigato, Rabo de Ovelha, Seara Nova, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho, Viognier, Vital e Viosinho.
RED:
Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Camarate, Castelão, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Preto Martinho, Sousão, Syrah, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Miúda, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Petit Verdot, Preto Martinho, Negra Mole e Alfrocheiro
