Quinta do Ameal
Portuguese Pronunciation Guide
The benchmark estate for single-varietal Loureiro, farming 14 hectares of granite soils along the Lima River since 1710.
Quinta do Ameal is Portugal's definitive Loureiro producer, farming 14 organically certified hectares in Vinho Verde's Lima sub-region. Acquired by Esporão in 2019, the estate produces age-worthy dry whites with citrus, floral, and mineral character from vines planted in 1948.
- Estate records date to 1710; current vineyard planted in 1948
- Located in the Lima sub-region, considered the birthplace of the Loureiro grape
- 14 hectares under vine on a 30-hectare estate, 800 meters along the Lima River
- Organically farmed for approximately 20 years, with some biodynamic practices
- Purchased by José Roquette of Esporão in 2019
- Wines demonstrate 15+ years of aging potential
- Granite and sandy loam soils over igneous granite bedrock
History and Ownership
Quinta do Ameal's records stretch back to 1710, making it one of Portugal's most historically significant wine estates. The vineyard itself was planted in 1948, and serious winemaking under the estate label began in the 1990s under owner Pedro Araújo. In 2019, José Roquette, owner of Esporão, Portugal's largest organic wine company, purchased the estate. The acquisition signaled continued commitment to the estate's identity as a benchmark for terroir-driven Vinho Verde.
- Estate records documented from 1710
- Vineyard planted 1948; estate winemaking emphasis from the 1990s
- Sold by Pedro Araújo to Esporão's José Roquette in 2019
- Now part of Portugal's largest organic wine operation
Location and Terroir
Quinta do Ameal sits in the Lima sub-region of Vinho Verde DOC, 30 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean. The estate spans 800 meters of Lima River riverbank at elevations between 12 and 53 meters. Soils are deep yellow granite sand over igneous granite bedrock, a profile that contributes the mineral tension defining the estate's wines. An oceanic maritime climate brings cooling Atlantic breezes, average annual rainfall of 1,300mm, and a mean temperature of 14.9°C.
- Lima sub-region, considered the birthplace of Loureiro
- Elevations range from 12 to 53 meters above sea level
- Granite and sandy loam soils over igneous granite bedrock
- 1,300mm average annual rainfall; 14.9°C mean annual temperature
The Grape: Loureiro
Quinta do Ameal is exclusively dedicated to Loureiro, a white variety native to the Lima sub-region. The estate represents the purest expression of what Loureiro can achieve in its home territory. Wines display characteristic citrus, floral, and mineral qualities, and contrary to the Vinho Verde region's reputation for light, simple whites, Ameal's Loureiro builds genuine complexity and aging potential of 15 years or more.
- 100% Loureiro across all estate bottlings
- Lima sub-region is Loureiro's place of origin
- Citrus, floral, and mineral character are the variety's hallmarks
- Wines capable of aging 15+ years
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Look it up →Winemaking
Farming at Quinta do Ameal is certified organic with some biodynamic methods incorporated. Grapes are hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed, then naturally fermented at low temperatures. The classic Loureiro bottling ages sur-lie in stainless steel, preserving freshness and primary fruit. The Escolha bottling takes a different path, aging in old French oak to add texture and complexity while maintaining the variety's essential character.
- Organic farming for approximately 20 years; some biodynamic practices used
- Hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed
- Natural fermentation at low temperatures
- Classic bottling: sur-lie, stainless steel; Escolha bottling: old French oak
Crisp, dry white wines with bright citrus fruit, white flowers, and a pronounced mineral, saline edge from granite soils. The classic bottling is taut and vibrant; the Escolha adds texture and weight while retaining freshness. Both reward cellaring.
- Quinta do Ameal Loureiro Vinho Verde$20-30The estate's classic bottling; sur-lie aged stainless steel Loureiro from 1948-planted vines on granite soils.Find →
- Quinta do Ameal Escolha Loureiro$45-60Old French oak-aged Loureiro from the Lima sub-region with added texture and aging potential beyond 15 years.Find →
- Quinta do Ameal is located in the Lima sub-region of Vinho Verde DOC, the birthplace of Loureiro
- The estate is exclusively planted to Loureiro across 14 hectares; no other varieties are used
- Organically farmed for approximately 20 years with some biodynamic practices; acquired by Esporão in 2019
- Two principal bottlings: classic (stainless steel, sur-lie) and Escolha (old French oak); both from naturally fermented, hand-harvested, whole-cluster pressed fruit
- Despite the region's reputation for light wines, Ameal's Loureiro has documented aging potential of 15+ years