Torre de Palma
Nestled in the heart of Alto Alentejo’s wine region, Torre de Palma epitomizes the essence of artisanal winemaking. Committed to crafting exquisite wines that pay homage to their terroir, this project is marked by meticulous craftsmanship, predominantly in small lots.
Torre de Palma’s rich history spans centuries, from Roman occupation through dynastic shifts. The Basilii family, stewards of these lands, were once revered landowners dedicated to wine production, olive oil, and horse breeding. For over 500 years, the estate belonged to the Crown of Portugal, later passing into the hands of a wealthy merchant in 1863. In the subsequent 80 years, it was leased to the Costa-Pinto family, deeply rooted in agriculture, including cereal cultivation, olive oil production, and livestock. A period of laborer occupation followed, eventually leading to its transformation into the first agricultural co-op in the Alentejo.
In 2007, Ana Isabel Rebelo and Paulo Rebelo acquired the estate, preserving its original purpose: a working site for wine and olive oil production, horse breeding, and welcoming guests to a house steeped in millennia of history.
Spanning 18 acres of gentle clay soil enriched with limestone, schist, sandstone, and marble, Torre de Palma’s vineyards nurture seven distinct varietals. These include Arinto, Alvarinho, Antão Vaz for white varietals, and Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, and Tinta Miúda for red varietals. Situated in the São Mamede hills, the vineyard confronts a challenging climate marked by significant temperature fluctuations, a crucial factor for grape maturation. The rugged soil composition and strategic positioning of the vineyard facilitate robust ventilation, creating an ideal environment for producing wines that harmonize seamlessly with nature.
Guiding this winemaking journey is Duarte de Deus, an enologist deeply passionate about Alto Alentejo. At Torre de Palma, he discovered a project steeped in history and symbolism. In the vineyards, he meticulously identifies nuances within each small parcel and underlying bedrock, harnessing the potential of each grape variety. Within the winery, he firmly believes that exceptional wines emerge through minimal intervention, allowing them to reveal their full regional potential over time.
With ISO 9001 Quality certification and Biosphere Sustainability certification, Torre de Palma is dedicated to environmentally conscious and sustainable wine production, aligning with the esteemed Sustainable Production System of Wines of Alentejo.
Torre de Palma has undertaken a significant sustainability journey. It stands among Portugal’s pioneering hotels and wineries to receive Biosphere international certification, a testament to their commitment to environmental, social, and business sustainability. Their energy needs are primarily met through solar panels, and solar energy heats their water supply. Additionally, they’ve introduced a drip irrigation system, reflecting their judicious use of existing water resources.
In conclusion, Torre de Palma seamlessly melds Alto Alentejo’s historical richness with an unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional wines while embracing environmentally conscious and sustainable practices. Torre de Palma’s wines stand as elegant, unique, and in a class of their own, a reflection of the estate’s profound respect for nature and heritage.
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