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The vineyards are distributed by several neighbouring Quintas (Estates): Quinta da Boavista (Quinta das Setencostas), Quinta de Bons-Ventos, Quinta da Espiga, Quinta das Amoras, Quinta do Vale Perdido, Quinta do Espírito Santo and Quinta do Figo, covering a total area of 280 ha., including more than 180 ha. of vineyards.
The vineyards are located on gentle slopes of altitudes between 110 m. and 220 m., with excellent sun exposition and a climate smoothened by the sea breeze from the Atlantic Ocean, less than 25 kms away.
The annual average rainfall is about 700mm and it mainly occurs between October and April, giving the soil (with good water-retaining capacity), enough water for an excellent plant development. The dryness of the summer months (June, July, August and September) and average temperatures of 21 / 22 ºC (ranging from maximum daily temperatures of 27/28 ºC to minimal night temperatures of 15 / 16 ºC), allow the ideal thermic amplitude to obtain balanced maturations and great quality grapes.
The soils are mainly clay and limestone from the Superior Jurassic, and there have been found numerous examples of maritime life fossils and even Dinosaur traces (Apatosaurus alenquerensis).
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The vineyard re-plantation has been made at a steady pace since 1990 and over 120 ha have been planted with the noblest Portuguese varieties, with a unique regional character, and also, in a smaller scale, with the best international varieties. A sustainable agriculture system is developed in all vineyards and orchards. The adoption of non-mobilisation between the vineyard lines, has allowed the prevention of soil erosion, natural yield reduction and earlier maturations, all important aspects when producing quality grapes. In 2003 the “Annual Award of Agriculture (Viticulture)” was attributed to this company by the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture. At Casa Santos Lima, more than 50 different national and international grape varieties can be found, some still in experimental basis, such as:
White Varieties: Arinto, Fernão Pires, Moscatel, Rabo-de-Ovelha, Seara Nova and Vital, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Red Varieties: Alfrocheiro, Camarate, Castelão, Preto Martinho, Sousão, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Miúda, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Alicante-Bouschet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Caladoc, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah
Below are described the main characteristics of the most relevant varieties: |
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Arinto
It is one of the most planted Portuguese white varieties and easily adaptable to different soils and regions. The wines obtained from Arinto in this region, have medium alcohol level and are generally very aromatic (essentially citric), with excellent freshness and good acidity. |
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Fernão Pires
Characterized by an average sized bunch and oval shaped grapes, it is a variety that presents a short cycle and early maturation. Fernão Pires is usually one of the first varieties to be harvested in order to obtain the desirable acidity levels. This variety originates floral and delicate aromatic wines, well structured and complex in the palate, and with high alcohol level. |
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Castelão
One of the typical Estremadura region varieties and one of the most grown in Portugal (also known as Periquita). With a small bunch and small dark skinned berries, this variety allows the production of fruity wines (showing wild berry aromas), very smooth and well balanced and with good ageing potential. |
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Preto Martinho
This almost extinct and very local variety is characterized by an average, compact bunch with dark coloured berries. Its wines have young and floral aromas and present themselves in the palate, soft and well structured, generally with low acidity and an average alcohol level. |
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Tinta Barroca
Traditionally used in the production of Port wine, this variety has a large bunch and dark, thin skinned berries. Its wines are dark-coloured, with floral and berry fruit aromas, good body and a good ageing potential. |
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Tinta Roriz
One of the most famous varieties of the Iberian Peninsula, present in almost all of the Portuguese wine regions, particularly in Douro. Tinta Roriz is also known as “Aragonez” and in Spain as “Tempranillo” due to its early maturation (“temprana”). With thick, dark-skinned berries, this variety originates wines with raspberry aromas and well ripped fruit, good structure, soft tannins and low acidity. The wines present a high alcohol profile and a good ageing potential. |
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Touriga Franca
Mainly located in the North of the country, Touriga Franca is characterized by a compact and medium sized bunch, flatten shaped grapes and constant production levels. These characteristics allow the elaboration of quite expressive wines, with fruity and elegant aromas. In the palate, they generally present themselves smooth, with round tannins, with great longevity. |
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Touriga Nacional
Probably the most prestigious Portuguese grape, Touriga Nacional is present in most of Portugal’s wine regions and is largely used in Port wine. It is characterized by a long bunch, small grapes and low productivity. Its wines usually present floral aromas of high complexity and in the palate are tannic, with good body, well balanced acidity and high ageing potential. |
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Trincadeira
A very sensitive variety, and in order to show all its potential, Trincadeira requires a special care and vigilance throughout the year. When young, its wines present fruity aromas with some vegetal notes, evolving later to jam and spice aromas. The presence of round and present tannins, give this variety a good ageing potential. |
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Alicante-Bouschet
Originated as a cross between the Petit Bouschet and Grenache varieties, this teinturier variety (with red pulp) presents an average sized bunch and round berries. Despite its average yield, its wines generally have an intense colour, with red fruit and prune aromas and are extremely well structured. Its acidity gives these wines a good ageing potential. |
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Cabernet Sauvignon
Probably the most famous variety in the world and the most planted foreign variety in Portugal. With small, dark, thick skinned grapes, its ripening occurs late in the harvesting season. Cabernet Sauvignon wines are generally intense and aromatic, tannic, full-bodied, with good acidity and a long aftertaste, well suited for ageing.
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Pinot Noir
Burgundy's main variety, rather demanding in the viticultural and enological point of view, it adapts extremelly well to the Estremadura wine region. This variety, with compact clusters and small berries, produces elegant wines, with floral (mainly violet) and berry fruit aromas and extremely smooth on the palate.
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