Sometimes it pays to discover new horizons – often, amazing (culinary) gems can be found there ...! That was exactly the case when Maître Philippe and his wife Evelyne went to Portugal during the winter holidays to soak up some sun. There, they immediately fell in love with the Alentejo region and its wines. No wonder, after all, the Alentejo accounts for the highest proportion of winegrowers in the country, is considered one of the country's most promising wine regions and was named one of the top 10 "World Wine Regions to Visit" by USA Today magazine in 2014.
They were particularly taken with the wines from the "Alento" range by the young, passionate winemaker Luis Louro.
He has been running the Adega do Monte Branco – the "Wine Cellar of the White Mountain" – in the heart of the Alentejo since 2006. His trade was practically laid in his cradle, as his father Miguel is also a winegrower and runs the Quinta do Mouro. Both wineries are located in Estremoz, a town of 10,000 inhabitants in the Evora district.
Luis' career began in the classic way with a degree in agricultural engineering, after which he worked on his father's winery for 6 years and laid the foundation for his experience. To further develop his knowledge of modern viticulture, he subsequently moved to California, where he completed a multi-month internship at a winery there. Back in his homeland, he gathered a young team of enthusiastic professionals around him to realize his dream: the production of modern, accessible quality wines made from predominantly autochthonous Portuguese grape varieties.
The Adega do Monte Branco, a modern winery with lots of wood, white walls and panoramic windows that offer views of the stunning valley, was built in 2006 on a hill near Estremoz, from which the town and the castle are clearly visible.
The estate produces wines from its own vines and those growing on leased land: Aragonez, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet and Touriga Nacional (for red wine) and Roupeiro, Arinto and Antão Vaz (for white wine) vines grow on 25 hectares of slate and clay soils. The "Alento" wines are the house's first and most important range. They embody the typical character of Alentejo wines: they are modern, full-bodied and impress with excellent value for money.
This has already spread – despite the very short time since the company was founded. Robert Parker has awarded the previous vintages 86, 87 and 88 points, and over 50% of the wine is already exported internationally.
One of the lucky buyers is now also us at Maître Philippe et filles, and we are delighted with this addition!
New to the range are the "Alento Tinto" 2012 (red) and the "Alento Branco" 2014 (white). They are refreshing, great everyday wines made exclusively from autochthonous grape varieties, which pair well with any meal and should be drunk young.
Click here to go directly to the wines: Red, White and Red-White Tasting Box.
By the way, Luis is expecting his second child in June this year – we are happy for him and his wife Joana!
Further impressions of the winery:
Photos by: Adega do Monte Branco
