In September 2019, my wife and I were in Porto and visited a few winemaker friends. Because of the harvest, we were immediately put to work.
First, we visited Márcio Lopes, our supplier of the Vinho Verde “Pequenos Rebentos”. In the Douro Valley, near Peso da Régua, Márcio has his second base and vinifies Douro wines under the brands “Proíbido” and “Permitido”.
During the production of the “a capella” red wine, we helped destem the Tinta Amarela grapes by hand. Márcio calls this wine “a capella” because every step is done by hand, without machines: destemming, treading by foot in lagares.
It was a fun day of work with family, friends, and us, interrupted by a lavish lunch at which all of Márcio’s wines could be tasted.
Márcio turned this day of work into a celebration for everyone.
P.S.: Many wines by Márcio are now in our portfolio
In the evening, we drove towards Mogadouro in Trás-os-Montes. We had an appointment there the next day with Fred Machado from Saroto. In the morning, we arrived and were allowed to step into the lagar right away for the first pressing of the Sarato Tinto 2019. This technique (pisar á pé) is ancient and very precise. “Today we are only treading up to our ankles,” Fred said.
Tomorrow he would continue treading up to his calves, and probably the day after that up to his knees. Our work was practically finished, and we had a small snack in the kitchen (almonds from Grandmother’s garden and a bottle of red wine from Aline Dominges - Menina de Uva).
After that, we headed back towards Porto.
