Quinta Das Maias
Part of the family-owned and operated wine estates of Quinta dos Roques and Quinta do Correio, Quinta das Maias was purchased in 1997, which was an obvious move since the wines from this estate have been produced and bottled at Roques under the separate Maias label since 1992. Located just 30 kilometers from Roques winery, Maias comprises 86 contiguous acres at an elevation of 1500 to 1800 feet in the foothills of the Serra da Estrela mountains, providing excellent daily temperature variation for ripening the 5-30-year-old vines. The average yearly rainfall of 1400 mm is more than double that of London, but fortunately mostly during the winter, rather than increasing the risk of damage to grapes at harvest time.
The varietals look quite different, even at the early stage in their growth cycle. Touriga Nacional shows a distinctive, wild growth habit with shoots sticking out at all angles, yet has very limited yield if cut back too far at the start. Jaen has small leaves of light-green hue, while Tinta Cão produces larger dark green leaves. The vineyards are quite modern, employing cane pruning and vertical canopy growth. Over the years a number of vines have been grafted to the more successful varietals.
Since 1897 the land and the name has been noted in land registers. Vineyards covered much of the area and the old cellar’s solid granite walls reflect over a century of harvests. Much of the old production equipment has been renovated and incorporated into an onsite museum. The brilliant yellow flowers of the “Maias” the May(Mai) flowers we call Scotch Broom, that surround the vineyards every spring have naturally become a part of the graphics on the label. This charming and serene location is gradually being restored and enhanced by Luis Lourenço, the manager for all the Quinta dos Roques’ properties. He is ably assisted by the same staff from Roques and Correio just 30 kilometers distant – Cellar Master João Santiago and Winemaker Rui Reguinga, with the “father” of the vineyards, Manuel Olieveira providing his viticulural expertise.
Situated between Nabais and S. Paio de Gouveia, inside of the perimeter of the Serra da Estrela Nature Park, the 86 acres include 33 acres of older vines and 53 acres of younger plantings. The varietal mix of older vines is the characteristic of the region, largely Jaen(Tinta Mencia) in the reds and Malvasia Fina in the whites. The mix of new vines is different, following a strategy to enhance innovation in the production of Dão wines. The new plantings of white varietals focus on Verdelho, Barcelo and Encruzado, while the reds are predominately Jaen, Tinto Cão, Roriz(Tempranillo), Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro. Current production, which continues to grow with new plantings – no grapes are purchased outside the vineyard, has reached 80,000 liters, one-third white wines to two-thirds red. The vines qualify for near organic management under “sustainable agricultural” practices.
