Cartuxa Winery Pêra Manca White
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Pêra-Manca is the brand that the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation reserves for the exceptional wines.
- First produced in 1990, it is a blend of a blend of Antão Vaz and Arinto grape varieties.
- Grown on the estate vineyards on granitic soils.
Varietal: Arinto and Antão Vaz
Elaboration: When the grapes reach the right point of maturation they are carefully picked, de- stalked and gently crushed. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats and in French oak barrels, at controlled temperature of 16ºC. Then the wine matures on the lees for further 12 months with battonage and another 10 months in bottle, prior to release.
Tasting Notes: The whites are a blend of Antão Vaz and Arinto grape varieties, showing a citrus color and a fruity, persistent, delicate and complex aroma. On the palate they are soft, dry, complex and balanced.
PRESS
n/a
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
The wines of Cartuxa are produced within the Alentejo sub-region of Évora and have long been legendary within Portugal. Adega Cartuxa has been in the hands of a large family, the Eugénio de Almeida family. This family has been one of the most influential families in Portugal. A Vasco Maria Eugénio de Almeida spent much of his efforts on the revitalization of the area by creating a hospital, social housing and more. Part of his efforts also included the planting of olive groves and vineyards. The vineyards have been on the same Quinta de Valbom site in Évora since 1517 when the Jesuits came to the region to establish the second oldest university in Portugal. Cartuxa reflects the tradition and famed quality of the first Carthusian monks who in 1598 established the Santa Maria Scala Coeli Monastery.
In the early 1960s, Vasco Maria Eugénio de Almeida transformed his personal project of service to others into a lasting institutional project, and created the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation, a private legal institution. Fifty-five years after its creation, the Foundation continues the work of its Founder, and its multiple development projects, including the production of the Cartuxa wines.