Alpedrinha is a historic village in the Cova da Beira, where Cardinal D. Jorge da Costa – known as the “Cardinal of Alpedrinha” – was born in 1406. A prominent figure in both Portugal and the Vatican, he played a key role in the creation of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa. He held considerable influence within the Holy See and was even elected Pope, an honour he declined in favour of Julius II. He also lived through the papacies of Sixtus IV, Innocent VIII and Alexander VI, and is remembered as a key architect of the Treaty of Tordesillas. Soil: Granitic soils with sandy and loam-clay structure Vine age: over 20 years. Ageing: Bâtonnage for 5 months, including 3 months in Caucasian oak barrels.