Quinta Vila Rachel
– Douro, Portugal
@qunitavilarachel (Douro, Portugal), founded by celebrated Portuguese sculptor José Joaquim Teixeira Lopes (1837-1918) and his wife Rachel Pereira de Meirelles, has a rich wine and olive oil production history. Six generations later, the descendants of the founders, under the guidance of Tiago Cartageno, continue the family tradition. Tiago is also part of the Barros Cartageno family, known for producing Port Wine since the 18th century in Ribatua.
Quinta Vila Rachel uses the artisanal methods of natural and organic winemaking, staying true to their family tradition. They craft between 2000 and 3000 bottles per harvest, specializing in regional reds and oranges, with a smaller rosé production. In addition to wines, the Quinta Vila Rachel produces olive oil from +200-year-old olive trees.
Their organic agriculture employs agroecological and regenerative techniques by centering their activities on the schist soil and the surrounding biodiversity. Vinification is natural; no chemical additives are used. The grapes are pressed and fermented in stainless steel vats. 50% of the white wines involve skin contact. The resulting wine remains unfiltered and free of added sulfites, a testament to its pure origins, and it’s made from native grapes grown using organic and regenerative agriculture methods, fermented by wild yeasts.
Wild and sophisticated…
Cultivation: 10 ha
Production: 2,000 – 3,000 bottles/year
Varieties: Field blend
Reds: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Carvalha, Tinta Roriz, Mourisco, Tinta Barroca etcand many others.
Whites: Gouveio, Viosinho, Rabigato, Malvasia Fina, Códega do Larinho, Boal, Síria, Arinto and many others.
Approach: Organic with agroecological and regenerative techniques
Certifications: N/A . (Currently waiting to have biologic certified)
Sulfites: N/A
