Top Portuguese Winemakers Olazabal, Moreira and Borges Team Up

Three of Portugal’s best-known winemakers, all associated with properties in the Douro, are forming a joint venture in Dão, the higher-altitude region just south of the Douro Valley, reports Wine Spectator. Francisco “Xito” Olazabal, winemaker at Quinta do Vale Meão and Quinta do Vallado, Jorge Serôdio Borges of Pintas and Quinta do Passadouro and Jorge Moreira of Poeira, Quinta de La Rosa and Real Companhia Velha have just announced a joint venture to lease Quinta do Corujão and its 24 acres of vineyards in Dão for 10 years.

Quinta do Corujão’s granitic soils are planted with traditional white grape varieties such as Encruzado and reds Alfrocheiro, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca and Rufete. The partners, friends and former university classmates, plan to regraft some vines with new varieties and improve the viticulture. They will keep Corujão’s existing brand, but also develop a new brand. The winery currently produces almost 8,500 cases annually but has the capacity to produce twice as much.

“This move will allow us to grow together, while not competing with each other in our region of origin,” said Borges. “There is great commercial potential in this new venture.” The first wine harvested and made under the new team will be a white to be released in May 2012.

Tagged : Portugal, wine

GET YOUR FIRST LOOK AT 2021 DATA AND 2022 PROJECTIONS FOR THE WINE AND SPIRITS INDUSTRIES. ORDER YOUR 2022 IMPACT DATABANK REPORTS. CLICK HERE.