Who would have thought that a small hillside next to the Caridade dam, at Herdade do Esporão, would lend its name to one of the region’s most important wines. That’s what happened in 1992, when Monte Velho was launched for the very first time, aiming to reach more people and transport the Alentejo to places further afield.
Over the years, this wine has established an indelible identity that goes beyond Herdade do Esporão. With grapes from Herdade do Esporão and partner suppliers accompanied by our agricultural team, combining varieties from all over the Alentejo, Monte Velho reflects the diversity and character of an entire region.
Each grape represents a place and has its own story. The whole work process until the final wine is undertaken with the aim of being to tell that story in the best way possible.
That story begins with integrated production methods; with the banning of pesticides and herbicides in the vineyards and implementing a more rational use of resources being some of the most important practices. For us, responsible production is crucial for soil quality and fertility, for the vineyard’s natural self-protective capacity and, of course, for the quality of our wines.
After almost 25 years, the “mission” of making Monte Velho is seen as a challenge that is always met with the same determination and objective – to surprise and make the most recent vintage the best ever.
With every vintage of Monte Velho, our winemakers sense the same challenge and responsibility. The careful selection of the best grapes from the different sub-regions of the Alentejo is one of their most important tasks, and where the essence of this wine’s identity can be found.
Its richness, structure and depth transmit the Alentejo within it. In hotter years, those typical of the region, Monte Velho reveals fruitier, riper aromas. The white is fresher and more vibrant. The red ages for three months in stainless steel tanks, which, although only a short period, lends the wine greater complexity and maturity.
Its aromas and flavours represent its origins in our country and the world. Monte Velho has grown beyond the Alentejo, establishing itself as a benchmark in the region and Portugal.