Profile of Herdade dos Coelheiros

The Alentejo Wine Region is one of the most beautiful and undiscovered gems of a wine region in Europe, and the Herdade dos Coelheiros estate is one of the most fascinating. Known for their high-end dry reds and whites (their Tapada de Coelheiros Chardonnay a multiple wine contest winner), the estate is also home to major walnut production (100 hectares), a vast area of Cork forest and hunting grounds. Located nearby the tiny carpet making village of Arraiolos, the distinctive wine labels of Tapada de Coelheiros are actually inspired by the famous decorative rugs.

The estate started making waves when winemaker António Saramago came on board in the early ’90s and has continued to go from strength to strength, now in the hands of Luís Patrão and his team. Production is quite small with only 40 hectares under vine. A variety of both Portuguese indigenous varietals and foreign varietals are grown and used in the blends including Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante Bouschet, Artinto, Roupeiro, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and Antão Vaz.

A visit to this estate is a real treat, a highlight being a 4×4 tour of the beautiful property with its cork trees, walnut orchards, and vineyards. Then back to the tasting room to sample the range including the distinguished Coelheiros Chardonnay, which despite its immense success is to be no longer, 2016 was their last vintage. We eagerly await the next groundbreaker from this fabulous estate.

Wines produced

  • Tapada de Coelheiros Red

    Dry red made with Cabernet Sauvignon, and Alicante Bouschet. 18 months in French oak (30% new) and a further 18 months ageing in bottle. 13.5% Alc.

  • Tapada de Coelheiros White

    Dry white made with Casta Roupeiro and Arinto. Tropical on the palate. 13.5% Alc. After fermentation in stainless steel, it ages for 8 months in 500L barrels with bâtonnage.

  • Tapada de Coelheiros Chardonnay

    Dry white made with 100% Chardonnay. Fermented in French Oak, twice weekly bâtonnage during 6 months, plus 3 months ageing in bottle. 14% Alc. 2005 Winner of best Chardonnay in the world! Sadly 2016 was the last vintage and must be enjoyed while stock lasts.

  • Vinha do Taco

    100% Petit Verdot, from a single plot “Vinha do Taco”. Aged for 18 months in French oak and 5 years in the bottle. A beautiful example of Petit Verdot from the Alentejo; elegant with great acidity.

  • Vinha da Tapada

    Dry red made with Cabernet Sauvignon & Castelão. 6 months in French oak and 4 months in bottle.

Winery details

Herdade dos Coelheiros

Monte dos Coelheiros
7040-202 Igrejinha
Portugal
Tel +351 266 470 000
Fax 351 266 470 008

Appellation
Vinho Regional Alentejano
Founded
1981
Area under vine
40 hectares
Age of vines
Average age 20 years
Oak barrel origin
French
Winemaker
Luís Patrão
Owner
Alberto Weisser
Grape varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Artinto, Roupeiro, Aragonez, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Antão Vaz, Verdelho, Merlot

More information

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Cellar Tours Private Luxury Food & Wine Tours

Cellar Tours

Cellar Tours is a Luxury Travel Specialist, operating since 2003 and offering exclusive Mercedes chauffeured Gourmet Vacations in Chile, France, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, South Africa, and Spain. We specialize in luxurious custom designed vacations, events and incentives related to food and wine. We are proud members of Slow Food, UNAV (Travel Agency Association in Spain), and the IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals).

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