Quinta da Pacheca Winery Guide
Quinta da Pacheca is definitely one of Portugal’s most hospitable wineries and a supreme pleasure to visit. Being one of the most well-known properties in the entire Douro Valley region, the estate was one of the first to bottle under its own name. This gorgeous estate dates back to the 1700s, named after its aristocratic owner, Mariana Pacheca Pereira. The vines pertained to an order of monks for centuries before that. In 1903, Count José Freire de Serpa Leitão Pimentel became the new owner. He installed the new “Lagares” in 1916, and these are still used today to vinify wines. Pacheca has stayed in the family, Count Serpa Pimentel’s current owner, and his two daughters work with him at this charming winery.
Quinta da Pacheca is unusual in the Douro for its range of wines. They make Ports, still reds and still whites, and many experimental wines with unusual grapes for the region, such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Other more traditional grapes cultivated on their 40 hectares of vineyards include (red) Tinta Cão, Tinta Amarela, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo in Spain); (white) Malvasia Fina, Esgana Cão, Verdelho, Gouveio, Rabo de Ovelha, Cerceal, Viosinho, and Códega.
Quinta da Pachcea guarantees the most amazing visits for Cellar Tours clients. You will meet the family, taste their superb wines, and even try Mama’s cooking- a delicious platter of homemade bread and sausages, regional cheeses, melon, and many more goodies. If you are lucky enough to visit at harvest time, you might even get a chance to stomp some grapes in their Lagares.
Wines produced
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Quinta da Pacheca Reserva Tinto, Douro VQPRD
This flagship still red is made with the three classic Port varietals- Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, and Tinta Roriz. 14% Alc. 12 months in French Oak. -
Quinta da Pacheca Branco, Douro DOC
TThis delicious white is made with all native varietals- Malvasia Fina, Gouveio, and Cerceal. 12.6% Alc. -
Quinta de Vale de Abrãao Tinto- Reg. Terras Durienses
Interesting wine made with a blend of Tinta Amarela and Cabernet Sauvignon. 12.3% Alc. Age up to 8 years. -
Quinta da Pacheca,Tawny Port, 8 years
This wine is a superb, concentrated Tawny, made with a blend of Tinto Cão, Tinta Amarela and Tinta Roriz. Wonderful with rich cream-based desserts, such as Crème brûlée, cheesecake or flan.
Facts & Figures
Appellation
Douro
Founded
1903
Area under Vine
75 hectares
Age of vines
up to 100 years
Oak barrel origin
French
Winemaker
José Serpa Pimentel
Owner
Pereira and Gonçalves Families
Production
Grape varietals
(red) Tinto Cão, Tinta Amarela, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo in Spain); (white) Malvasia Fina, Esgana Cão, Verdelho, Gouveio, Rabo de Ovelha, Cerceal, Viosinho and Códega
Grape Varieties Used by the Winery
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Cerceal
Discover the unique character of the Cercial grape, a Portuguese white variety known for its high acidity, citrus flavors, and mineral notes. Learn more here.
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Códega
Códega is a white grape from Portugal, specifically the Douro Valley region. It is one of the essential grapes used in Port wines but has also gained recognition as a standalone varietal. Códega grapes are known for their thin skins and high acidity, which contribute to the fresh and crisp character of the resulting wines.
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Esgana Cão
Esgana Cão, also known as "Dog Strangler," is a lesser-known grape variety with a fascinating history., Esgana Cão grapes are treasured for their unique characteristics. The vines produce medium-sized clusters of small, thick-skinned berries that are rich in color and contain a moderate amount of juice. The resulting wines are typically full-bodied, deeply colored, and exhibit pronounced tannins.
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Gouveio
Learn about the unique characteristics of Gouveio, a grape variety used in the production of Port wine. Explore its flavor profile and history in our comprehensive guide.
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Malvasia Fina
This white grape variety produces aromatic wines with floral notes and a hint of sweetness, known for its versatility.
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Rabo de Ovelha
Rabo de Ovelha produces full-bodied, aromatic wines with tropical fruit, apricot, and honey flavors. This rare grape is known for its high sugar content and is often used in sweet wine production. Despite its name, which translates to "sheep's tail," Rabo de Ovelha produces elegant and complex wines that pair well with desserts, cheeses, and spicy dishes
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Verdelho
Discover the delicious world of Verdelho wine 🍷 🌍 Learn about its origins, characteristics, and food pairings in our latest blog post. 🍴 Cheers to a great glass of Verdelho!
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Viosinho
Learn all about the Vioshino grape, its rich history, unique flavor profile, and food pairings. Don't miss out on this exciting grape variety! 🍇🍷 #VioshinoGrape
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Tinta Amarela
Tinta Amarela, aka Trincadeira, is a red grape used in Port and red wine. Thrives in dry, hot climates, flaunting purple-skinned allure but susceptible to rot.
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Touriga Franca (Touriga Francesa)
Touriga Franca is a red grape variety known for producing wines with intense color and aromas of dark fruits and flowers. It's often used in Port wine blends and can also make complex, full-bodied still wines
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Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional red varietal is a dark-skinned grape predominately grown in Douro and Dão. In the Douro, it is used as a blending grape in Port wines.
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Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca is one of the most common red wine grapes grown primarily in the Douro region in northern Portugal.
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Tinto Cão
Uncover Tinta Cão, the treasured Portuguese red wine grape. A vital Port Wine blend, embodying Portugal's winemaking legacy with grace.
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Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo)
Discover Tempranillo: Spain's iconic red grape. From Ribera del Duero to Toro, it yields concentrated wines. Explore its synonyms and unleash its prowess.
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Winery Appellations
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Explore the stunning Douro Valley wine region and taste some of Portugal's finest wines. Plan your trip today! Read more
Winery Contact Details
More information
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