Quinta de Chocapalha Tinto

Quinta de Chocapalha can rightly be called a family business. In the 1980s, Alice, a Swiss woman, and her husband, Paulo Tavares da Silva, bought the company and invested heavily in the vineyards and winery. They still run the business, and their daughters are also active within Quinta de Chocapalha. Andrea Tavares is the export manager, and her sister, Sandra Tavares, is one of Portugal's most talented winemakers. She also provides her expertise to several other Portuguese wineries.

The quality and reputation of Quinta de Chocapalha

By introducing new cultivation methods, the family was able to improve the quality and reputation of their wines. In 2000, the most recent vineyard plantings reached maturity, and the fruit quality had significantly improved. At that point, most of the production was sold to larger cooperatives. But with the arrival of their daughter Sandra, who quickly established her reputation as an exceptionally talented winemaker, the family decided to further renovate their winery and begin producing their own wines. Quinta de Chocapalha Tinto is a blend of indigenous Portuguese varietals from 16th-century vineyards with limestone and clay soils. The harvested grapes are destemmed and undergo a pre-fermentation maceration at low temperatures for 12 hours before extraction. Fermentation takes place in traditional open vats for 10 days. Malolactic fermentation and aging take place in French oak barrels for 20 months.

The scent and taste of Quinta de Chocapalha Tinto

This prevents the wood from dominating, creating a beautiful balance between the wood and the fruit. Ripe black fruit, such as blackberries and blackcurrants, dominates the nose, along with distinct spicy notes. On the palate, it's very fine and elegant, with soft tannins that combine perfectly with good acidity and a long finish.