PROPERTY
HISTORY
Herdade do Portocarro, integrated into an agricultural holding, is located in the demarcated region “Terras do Sado”, next to the village of S. Romão, Parish of Torrão, a pilgrimage site on the way to Santiago de Compostela, between Alcácer do Sal and Torrão. With around 142ha, through which the Sado River flows, the importance of this place has origins that date back to ancient times of Roman occupation, as evidenced by the remains of coins and wine amphorae.
The region has always been recognized for the excellence of its wines. It quenched the thirst of the many hikers who crossed the river here over the years, and gained great notoriety in culture and wine production. A tradition that momentarily disappeared with the imposition of cereal cultivation after the Second World War, but which is fully re-emerging today and particularly at Herdade do Portocarro.
The name Herdade do Portocarro is inspired by two intrinsic characteristics of the property. Firstly, the existence of a high point, formerly known as “carro”, located in the highest wilderness in the region. Secondly, for the port and crossing point on the river bank that marks the landscape. The story goes that, when the river was navigable to these lands, transport was mainly carried out by river. It was then customary to call the loading/unloading location a “port”, this location coinciding with the connection area between the banks.
LOCATION
Portocarro is on the highest hill in the region facing south. The sun can be very intense and strong during the summer days, reaching 35º C, but at night the temperature drops to 14-16º C.
This accentuated variation allows the grapes to recover from the heat, at the same time as they develop their uniqueness, creating extremely fresh and elegant wines.
The soils are characterized by clay-limestone soils, with a high calcium and silica content.
Herdade do Portocarro is located close to the Atlantic, just 30 minutes away from Lisbon heading south, crossed by the river Sado and in front of the small village of S. Romão, which used to be a pilgrimage stop on the way to Santiago de Compostela many centuries ago.
It was the Phoenicians and the Greeks who brought many grape varieties to this region from the Near East and who, finding the climate mild, the slopes of Arrábida and the riverside area of the Tagus suitable for growing vines, embarked on planting them. Later, the Romans and the Arabs greatly increased the cultivation of vines on this peninsula. With the founding of the kingdom of Portugal, other peoples came and increased wine production in this region, a tradition that still prevails today (source: IVV).
The Setúbal Peninsula region has a splendid microclimate – hot days and cool nights, given the refreshing breezes from the ocean and the high temperatures of the Alentejo Plain. Gentle hills with vineyards, extensive rice fields and sunsets reminiscent of Africa are the main features of this relaxing landscape.
REGION
PASSION FOR DISTINCTION
