Quinta do Mouro

It is a big appellation, that to overgeneralize, produces warm climate wines. I often refer to it as the Napa Valley of Portugal. Large estates dominate, and over the years there has been a race to make over-the-top, full-bodied reds, often lavishly oaked.

Quinta do Mouro is what I often refer to as an "exceptional exception." A historic property located just outside of the beautiful village of Estremoz. Once owned by the wealthy Zagalos family, it was purchased by Miguel Louro in 1978. The first vines were planted in 1989, and today there are 33 hectares of vineyards, some surrounding the winery, and others in prime hillside positions just outside the walls of Estremoz. The vineyards are composed mainly of schist soil. They are farmed sustainably and without the use of irrigation. 

The "exception" comes in the form of well-balanced wines, of course with some of the power that the region naturally brings. The "exceptional" is easily recognized once you taste through the wines. They have great complexity, length, and in my humble opinion are among the greatest reds of Portugal.