Quinta Do Feital

After the success of producing world-class Alvarihno in Portugal, Marcial Dorado wanted to create a new project. In 2002, Marcial purchased a second estate, at Seixas on the mouth of the Minho river. The climate is warmer here than in Melgaço, where Dorado is made, but the site lies on a rare outcropping of schist. Vinho Verde’s traditional Trajadura is planted, and yields wines with vivid acidity and minerality. Marcial has replanted the steepest portions of the vineyard with Alvarinho, and believes that the maturing vines will eventually produce something unique and magical. In the meantime, this fruit will be used to produce a fresh, inexpensive blend called Auratus.