Tapada de Coelheiros, in Arraiolos, announces the release of its latest organic-certified vintages from the Coelheiros range: Coelheiros Rosé 2023, Coelheiros Branco 2023, and Coelheiros Tinto 2022. This range captures the essence of a greener, fresher, and more elegant Alentejo, reflecting not only a commitment to excellence but also a deep respect for nature and sustainability through the use of organic and regenerative farming practices.
Led by João Raposeira, responsible for the vineyard and agriculture at Tapada de Coelheiros, the organic certification process for these wines is the result of years of accumulated knowledge and experience, along with continuous work to ensure the practice of regenerative agriculture and ecosystem management that promotes balance and enhances the land.
“We are proud to launch these new organic-certified vintages,” says João Raposeira. “These wines are not just an expression of Tapada de Coelheiros’ unique terroir but also represent our commitment to responsible and sustainable farming practices. In managing our vineyards, we recognize the vital importance of the surrounding ecosystem. We keep the soil covered with vegetation and respect the plants, herbs, and insects, which are essential for natural balance. We practice ‘mulching,’ where the grass between the rows is gently laid down, not destroyed, providing protection to the vines as they grow. These practices enhance the resilience of the plants and the organisms around them, creating a balance favorable to healthy and high-quality production.”
In addition to organic certification, Tapada de Coelheiros has already earned the distinction of Sustainable Production from the PSVA (Sustainability Program for Alentejo Wines). This achievement reflects an integrated vision of sustainable wine production, where environmental concern and local community well-being are intrinsically linked to the production of high-quality wines.
Coelheiros Tinto 2022
The Coelheiros Tinto 2022 reflects the conditions of the year, characterized by a dry, hot climate, high temperatures, and early rains in September, which affected harvest management. The result is a red wine with a well-defined aromatic profile, intense color, and a full-bodied palate with smooth tannins and balanced acidity.
Produced from Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca grapes, sourced from the Taco, Alto, and Choupal vineyards at an average altitude of 300 meters, with granite-based and clay-loam soils, this wine is elegant and complex. It pairs perfectly with roast beef or a mushroom risotto, enhancing its texture and elegance.
Coelheiros Rosé 2023
The Coelheiros Rosé 2023 comes from a favorable vintage in 2023. The winter was mild, followed by a particularly cold and dry February. The harvest in September took place under optimal conditions, with mild temperatures and low precipitation, which favored the aromatic concentration and balanced acidity in the white wines, as well as excellent maturation of the Syrah and Touriga Nacional grapes that make up the rosé.
The Coelheiros Rosé 2023 is a wine that stands out with fresh strawberry aromas, complemented by floral notes of peach. On the palate, it is fresh, elegant, and persistent, with balanced acidity that gives it a vibrant liveliness. The Syrah comes from the Vinha da Sobreira, with a northwest exposure near the Arraiolos river, while the Touriga Nacional is sourced from the Vinha do Cabido, with clay-loam soils. This rosé has a structure dominated by Syrah, giving it a smooth texture and a long finish, making it perfect for pairing with light dishes as the temperatures rise.
Coelheiros Branco 2023
The Coelheiros Branco 2023 comes from the Vinhas do Monte and Vinhas do Alto, dominated by white grape varieties, particularly Arinto, which forms the base of the wine. The Vinha do Monte has sandy-clay soils, while the Vinha do Alto is marked by deep, clay-rich soils, which are essential for the wine’s structure and minerality. This white wine is characterized by citrus notes of lime and grapefruit, complemented by stone fruit aromas typical of the Antão Vaz variety, which adds complexity. It balances freshness, vibrant fruit, and complexity, making it ideal for pairing with seafood or serving as a summer aperitif.
Luís Patrão, the project’s winemaker, says, “Although this has been a process we’ve been implementing for 7 years, each year it becomes more evident the impact of this new approach on the quality of the grapes, which then translates into the quality of the wines. This is another important milestone for our team and the Tapada de Coelheiros project. These three wines reflect this ongoing work on the estate, as well as of the place where they are made – a fresh and vibrant Alentejo.”
These organic-certified wines represent Tapada de Coelheiros’ continued dedication to producing high-quality wines in harmony with nature. They are now available on the market and can be found in wine shops and in the online store on Tapada de Coelheiros’ website.
