Quinta da Caldeirinha has been owned by the Roda family for four generations. Aida and Jorge Roda are the current proprietors and spend much more time in Almofala than in Lisbon. For years, the grapes produced were sold to the Adega Cooperativa de Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. As a result of the incentives to uproot vineyards in the 1980s, four hectares were grubbed up, leaving just one old vineyard bearing the region's traditional grape varieties. When she inherited the estate, Aida Roda faced the dilemma of whether to sell or restore it. Ultimately, her love of the place made continuing the legacy an easy decision and she opted to become a producer-bottler, rescinding her membership of the cooperative in the process. She converted the old vineyard to produce organic grapes and planted another four hectares with the most fashionable varieties, also organic. In 2001, she made her first wine, embarking on a thrilling journey into the organic wine business. It was a pioneering project in Beira Interior, in perfect harmony with the ecosystem of the Douro International Natural Park, where the estate is situated, and following the Roda family's well-known principles of respect for nature and biodiversity. The fact that the vineyards are at an altitude of around 700 m made the task easier, as the colder climate is not conducive to vine pests and diseases.

Twenty years on from the start of the project, Quinta da Caldeirinha's wines are respected throughout Portugal and have begun to conquer international markets, thanks to their incredible elegance, typical of wines from the Iberian Plateau. Aida and Jorge Roda have created a sustainable business that honours Beira Interior wines and have shown that Portugal's interior offers great opportunities and has a bright future. Highly recommended!

Vineyards

Vineyard operations management: Aida Roda

Area of own vineyards: 5 hectares

Grape origin: Own grapes

Viticulture type: Organic production

White grape varieties: Síria, Chardonnay, Fernão Pires, Malvasia Fina

Red grape varieties: Rufete, Marufo, Alicante Bouschet, Syrah, Tinta Roriz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga Nacional

Wine cellar

General manager: Jorge Roda

Oenologist: Jenny Silva

Cellar master: Jorge Ernesto

Types of wine produced: White, rosé and red

Wine brands: QC, Quinta da Caldeirinha, Tarika

Percentage of PDO/PGI production: 75% PDO, 25% PGI

Average annual production: 10,000 litres

Production destination: Domestic market (85%) and export (15%)

Wine tourism

Part of the Beira Interior Wine Route