2023 Fitapreta "O Iluminista" Tinto, Alentejo, Portugal
ABOUT THIS WINE
A blend of Alicante Bouschet, Aragonês, Castelão, Alfrocheiro, Moreto and Tinta Carvalha sourced from aged vines rooted in Portugal's Alentejo region. The vines are cultivated in very poor soils of granitic (60%) or schist (40%) origin, naturally giving very concentrated grapes. The grapes are grown either under an organic production regime or under an Integrated Certified Production regime without the use of herbicides, most of which are rainfed, without irrigation. Our vineyards are also all certified within the Alentejo sustainability program.
Neutral Oak imparts texture and roundness to the wine, whilst allowing the purity of fruit to do the talking. 12 months 50% french oak and 50% stainless steel vats.
ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
Fitapreta is António Maçanita’s estate near the ancient Roman city of Évora, located in the rolling hills of Alentejo. Since its inception in 2004, Fitapreta has pushed the boundaries of what fine winemaking can be in this region, and over the last two decades, the estate has become a benchmark for the New Portugal, earning António international accolades like Winemaker of the Year, Most Unique Winemaker, and Winemaker of the Generation.
Maçanita only works with indigenous varieties and showcases his estate’s terroir through exacting work: farming organically without irrigation, harvesting by hand at night, deliberate bunch sorting in the winery, and native yeast fermentation. Through this approach, he can craft wines that represent sunny Alentejo, but which have a balance and freshness unmatched by others in the region.
Maçanita finds equilibrium between tradition and modernity, and his constant exploration of vineyards has enabled him to show off a truly deep understanding of Alentejano terroir, present and past. Whether on his original estate vineyard or in his Chão dos Eremitas site, his wines contain a through-line of elegance and purity. The range of wine styles available from Fitapreta matches Antonio’s intellect, curiosity, playfulness, and rigorous attention to detail. Fitapreta has something for everyone!
Chão dos Eremitas was acquired by Antonio in 2018. “Chão” refers to flat lands, and “Eremitas” refers to the hermit monks of the order of São Paulo that lived in the area. Two underground streams bring rainwater from the mountains, keeping the ground cool even in summer. This is the home of a Phoenician wine amphora dating back to the 8th century BC, linking this area to 3,000 years of wine production.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
ABOUT THIS WINE
A blend of Alicante Bouschet, Aragonês, Castelão, Alfrocheiro, Moreto and Tinta Carvalha sourced from aged vines rooted in Portugal's Alentejo region. The vines are cultivated in very poor soils of granitic (60%) or schist (40%) origin, naturally giving very concentrated grapes. The grapes are grown either under an organic production regime or under an Integrated Certified Production regime without the use of herbicides, most of which are rainfed, without irrigation. Our vineyards are also all certified within the Alentejo sustainability program.
Neutral Oak imparts texture and roundness to the wine, whilst allowing the purity of fruit to do the talking. 12 months 50% french oak and 50% stainless steel vats.
ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
Fitapreta is António Maçanita’s estate near the ancient Roman city of Évora, located in the rolling hills of Alentejo. Since its inception in 2004, Fitapreta has pushed the boundaries of what fine winemaking can be in this region, and over the last two decades, the estate has become a benchmark for the New Portugal, earning António international accolades like Winemaker of the Year, Most Unique Winemaker, and Winemaker of the Generation.
Maçanita only works with indigenous varieties and showcases his estate’s terroir through exacting work: farming organically without irrigation, harvesting by hand at night, deliberate bunch sorting in the winery, and native yeast fermentation. Through this approach, he can craft wines that represent sunny Alentejo, but which have a balance and freshness unmatched by others in the region.
Maçanita finds equilibrium between tradition and modernity, and his constant exploration of vineyards has enabled him to show off a truly deep understanding of Alentejano terroir, present and past. Whether on his original estate vineyard or in his Chão dos Eremitas site, his wines contain a through-line of elegance and purity. The range of wine styles available from Fitapreta matches Antonio’s intellect, curiosity, playfulness, and rigorous attention to detail. Fitapreta has something for everyone!
Chão dos Eremitas was acquired by Antonio in 2018. “Chão” refers to flat lands, and “Eremitas” refers to the hermit monks of the order of São Paulo that lived in the area. Two underground streams bring rainwater from the mountains, keeping the ground cool even in summer. This is the home of a Phoenician wine amphora dating back to the 8th century BC, linking this area to 3,000 years of wine production.
