Quinta Da Lapa Clarete

Quinta da Conceicao da Lapa was acquired in 1706 by D. Lourenco de Almeida from Captain Bartolomeu Lobo da Gama, for the sum of 11.500 silver crusades. A unique location where the best land was chosen among the fertile hills to the East of Montejunto mountain, a territory that is now part of the Tejo Wine Region.

D. Lourenco, son of the Count of Avintes was the great reformer & developer of Quinta da Lapa. He chose the highest ground of his vast estate to build a manor house with its chapel, farm buildings & an important wine cellar in order to produce the best wines from the surrounding vineyards. This reform dates from 1733 & almost three centuries later the estate underwent yet another much needed improvement. This included building a new winery & replanting the vineyards both with traditional local varietals & a selection of international grapes that best thrive in their terroir.

The outcome of all their hard work shows as their wines have consistently earned important medals & awards at both international & domestic wine competitions.

Fernão Pires, Castelão

The Tejo region has a long history of wine production dating back to Roman times, but it was in the Middle Ages that the Cistercian Monks introduced the method for producing Claret by adding a small amount of red wine to a white wine base. This Claret wine was crafted from selected grapes of the Trincadeira das Pratas and Castelão varietals through the co-fermentation of the musts following a short period of skin contact.

The resulting wine is a pale ruby in colour with bright sanguine hues. The intense fruity aromas reveal hints of sweet morello cherries. On the palate, the wine has excellent volume with lingering fruit and freshness.

This wine would pair well with grilled meats, such as beef or lamb, and hearty stews. It would also be a good complement to aged cheeses, charcuterie, and dark chocolate desserts. The oak aging of the wine adds a hint of vanilla and spice, making it a perfect match for dishes with similar flavors.