Dona Carolina emigrated to Brazil in the 19th century in search of her fortune. Whilst crossing the Atlantic, she had the misfortune of seeing her husband succumb to illness and wanted to return immediately. However, when she arrived in Brazil, she decided to stay and realise their dream, demonstrating an indomitable will to succeed. In the state of Paraná, near the town of Marialva, she dedicated herself to agriculture, pioneering vineyard planting and wine production. Many years later, now wealthy, she returned to her native Beira Interior. After buying an estate in Marialva, she decided to pursue farming and wine production once more. She was succeeded by Dona Albertina and, later, Dona Maria do Céu, who continued to manage the estate and justify its name, which literally means ‘Ladies’ Estate’. Until recently, the wine was sold in bulk, but the fifth generation, imbued with the fortitude inherited from Dona Carolina, decided to roll up their sleeves and go a step further, bottling Quinta das Senhoras wine and taking it to the world. With unconditional, loving support from their father – Counsellor Judge Hélder Roque – Rafael, Cláudio and Sara created Quinta das Senhoras, Lda. in 2013 with a view to making their new dream a reality. Their prudence led them to prioritise the vineyards and the quality of the grapes, which would be vinified using traditional presses and without reckless investments. They invited oenologist Carlos Silva, from the Dão, to design the wines and oversee the oenology side of things.

The 2011 vintage was the first to be released onto the market and it instantly showed that the project was based on solid foundations. The wines, made essentially with grape varieties from the nearby Douro, reveal a minimalist style, whose aim is to emphasise a sense of place and the character of the grape varieties. For this reason, they are ‘virgin’ wines, which do not come into contact with oak. It is well worth tasting them on the estate where they are made, if possible, as archaeological remains abound, with huge Roman weight presses and the patina of medieval Marialva, one of Portugal's most important historical sites. A good Beira Interior wine tastes better when is is enjoyed while experiencing Portugal's history first hand.

Vineyards

Vineyard operations management: Hélder Roque

Area of own vineyards: 11.5 hectares

Grape origin: Own grapes

Viticulture type: Integrated production, transitioning to organic production, which is already practised

White grape varieties: Viosinho and Gouveio

Red grape varieties: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Aragonês and Sousão

Wine cellar

General manager: Hélder Roque

Oenologist: Carlos Silva

Types of wine produced: White and red

Wine brands: Quinta das Senhoras

Percentage of PDO/PGI production: 100% PDO

Average annual production: 8,000 litres

Production destination: Domestic market (80%) and export (20%)

Wine tourism

Events, by appointment

Wine shop

Wine tasting

Part of the Beira Interior Wine Route