Quinta do Pinto – Winery in Lisbon, Portugal

Quinta do Pinto Winery – Lisbon, Portugal

Monica Tindall

Quinta do Pinto winery, located in Alenquer, Portugal, is a family project rooted in a deep passion for wine and a solid connection to the land. The Cardoso Pinto family, with a lineage spanning five generations in agriculture and winemaking, has dedicated themselves to this ambitious endeavour. The winery’s name, ‘Quinta do Pinto,’ pays homage to the property’s charismatic overseer and coincidentally also refers to how workers were formerly paid, as well as wine worth paying an extra “pinto” for. Our host, Rita Cardoso Pinto, who leads the winery, kindly takes us on a property tour and guides us through a wine tasting.

Situated in the heart of Lisbon’s wine region, Quinta do Pinto spans over 120 hectares surrounding a 17th-century manor house and a traditional wine cellar. Apart from its winemaking heritage, the surroundings offer picturesque rural villages with windmills, white houses, and historic churches and convents. The Alenquer area was renowned in Portuguese and European courts for its exceptional wines. While the region’s prominence waned over time, a new generation of producers, including Quinta do Pinto, has revitalised Alenquer’s wines on the international stage.

More than half of the property is dedicated to vineyards. Occupying 63 hectares of gentle slopes with southern exposure, they blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Protected from northern winds by the Serra de Montejunto and influenced by the Atlantic, the vineyard benefits from a temperate maritime climate with Mediterranean characteristics. The clay-limestone soils, dating back to the Jurassic period, further contribute to the maturation of the grapes and the production of high-quality wines. Vineyards in the Alenquer area produce concentrated wines, particularly red, white, and rosé.

Quinta do Pinto cultivates a diverse range of grape varieties, with approximately two dozen national and international selections forming the foundation of their portfolio. With meticulous attention to each variety’s authenticity and identity, the winery creates unique and harmonious blends that showcase the terroir’s characteristics. The property’s diversity allows for carefully selected grape varieties, such as Arinto, Fernão Pires, Antão Vaz, Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, among others. Notable labels from the estate include ‘Vinhas do Lasso,’ ‘Terras do Anjo,’ ‘Quinta do Pinto,’ and ‘Quinta do Pinto – Grande Escolha.’

Rita reflects on Portuguese wine culture saying that “wine should be drank with a knife and a fork,” referring to their great compatability with food, “we do wines sitting down.” As such, you’ll find balanced acidity in most of the production, perfect mates for a meal and conversation.

The team at Quinta do Pinto works diligently to care for the land and its unique characteristics. Their approach emphasises attention to detail and respect for the vineyard’s natural rhythms. António Afonso Lasso de la Vega Cardoso Pinto, the producer, coordinates the oenology project. Rita, along with her sister Ana and other team members, strives for excellence in winemaking while valuing the expertise and knowledge of each individual.

The winery, designed in a traditional style, combines modern oenological technology with minimal intervention winemaking practices. Quinta do Pinto believes in capturing the grapes’ maximum potential by handling them with care and allowing indigenous yeasts to carry out fermentations. The cellar includes dedicated areas for grape reception, pressing, and fermentation in cement vats, a quality control laboratory, an aging room with barrels, and a tasting room.

With a commitment to quality and a blend of traditional and modern winemaking practices, Quinta do Pinto produces a portfolio of exceptional wines that showcase the region’s unique terroir. Visitors to the winery can enjoy the picturesque surroundings and experience the rich winemaking heritage of Alenquer. Connect to their social media accounts for updates on future wine tourism projects, including a guest house, public tasting sessions and more @quintadopinto.

Quinta do Anjo/ Quinta do Pinto
Aldeia Galega da Merceana
2580 – 081 AlenquerLisbon, Portugal
+351 969 956 442
[email protected]

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