Quinta dos Roques

Quinta dos Roques traces its roots to the 19th century, when wines were produced as part of cooperative arrangements primarily for household consumption. The estate's transformation into an ambitious, quality-driven project began in the early 1980s. This shift was made possible by Portugal's accession to the EU in 1979, which lifted the cooperative monopolies that had long restricted independent winemaking in the Dão region. From that point forward, Quinta dos Roques positioned itself as one of the pioneering independent estates in Dão.

• Estate history dates to the 19th century
• Early wines were produced within cooperative structures for household use
• Quality-focused transition began in the early 1980s
• Portugal's 1979 EU accession ended cooperative monopolies and enabled independent production

The estate sits in Abrunhosa do Mato, between the towns of Mangualde and Nelas within the Dão DOC in northern Portugal. The soils are a combination of granite and schistous material, characteristic of the Dão region and well suited to producing wines with structure and minerality. The continental climate delivers hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters, creating the thermal variation that allows grapes to ripen fully while retaining natural acidity.

• Granite and schistous soils typical of the Dão region
• Continental climate with pronounced seasonal contrast
• Hot, dry summers promote full ripeness in indigenous varieties
• Cold, wet winters allow vines to rest and regenerate

Quinta dos Roques grows an array of indigenous Portuguese varieties across both red and white wines. Red varieties include Touriga Nacional, Jaen, Alfrocheiro, and Tinta Roriz. For whites, the estate works with Encruzado and Malvasia Fina. The estate produces both varietal wines and blends, and is particularly credited with reviving the reputation of Encruzado, a white variety now recognized as one of Portugal's most distinguished. Quinta dos Roques also experiments with sparkling and liqueur wine styles, reflecting a commitment to innovation alongside tradition.

• Red varieties: Touriga Nacional, Jaen, Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz
• White varieties: Encruzado and Malvasia Fina
• Produces both varietal wines and blends
• Credited with reviving Encruzado's reputation as a world-class white variety

The estate combines centuries-old traditions with modern technologies, a balance reflected in its use of natural fermentations alongside contemporary cellar practices. Winemaking is handled by Jorge Brites and Professor Virgilio Loureiro, working under the ownership of Manuel Lopes de Oliveira and son-in-law Luis Lourenço. The estate is recognized as one of the pioneering producers championing indigenous varietals in Dão, a region that long underperformed its potential during the cooperative era.

• Natural fermentations are a core part of the winemaking approach
• Combines traditional methods with modern cellar technology
• Winemakers Jorge Brites and Professor Virgilio Loureiro lead production
• Consistent advocate for indigenous Portuguese varieties in Dão

Quinta dos Roques exports approximately 85% of its total production, placing the estate firmly in the international market. Canada, Japan, and Norway are identified as major export destinations, reflecting a diverse and geographically spread customer base. This export focus has helped raise the profile of Dão wines internationally and reinforced the estate's reputation as a reference point for quality from the region.

• 85% of production is exported
• Major markets include Canada, Japan, and Norway
• Export focus has elevated the international profile of Dão wines
• Estate serves as a reference point for quality winemaking in the region