Since time immemorial – and until the introduction of subsidies for vineyard grubbing-up and replanting – Rufete was the most important grape variety in the Pinhel region. It offered generous yields and produced light, fresh wines with low colour intensity and alcohol, making it the perfect companion to the local cuisine. Following this tradition, 25 years ago we planted a vineyard exclusively with Rufete, using selected clones in granitic sandy soils on a hillside at around 600 m altitude.