Vinhos Verdes
The sub-region of Monção and Melgaço, the birthplace of the Alvarinho grape variety
The Demarcated Region of Vinhos Verdes area extends throughout the northwest of Portugal.
In terms of geographical area, it is the largest Demarcated Region in Portugal, and one of the largest in Europe.
In 1908, in order to defend the genuineness and quality of the wine from this region, the Monção and Melgaço sub-region was created when the Demarcated Region of Vinhos Verdes was defined (Law Letter of 1908 of 18 September), the wines of the Alvarinho variety being its worldwide renowned product.
In this sub-region, granite soils predominate. However, in the northwest, there are large amounts of sediments (clay and pebbles), as well as the existence of a schist strip in the central part of the region. Another determining factor of Monção and Melgaço Terroir is the climate, conditioned by the existing terrain in the region. The fact that this region is cut to the south by the “Vale do Minho” mountain range, means that it does not suffer the typical Atlantic influence of the Vinhos Verdes Region. Together with the mountainous alignments of the Serra da Galiza to the north – which reach considerable proportions very close to the river Minho – it forms a mountainous belt responsible for the existence of a unique microclimate.
This microclimate is characterized by being a temperate Atlantic type climate of continental influence, with cold and rainy winters and a hot and dry summer. The presence of a significant set of water surfaces (rio Minho and main tributaries) induces a regulation of temperatures, which makes the thermal amplitudes suitable for the production of the Alvarinho wine from Monção and Melgaço, a unique product in the world.
FALUA IN THE VINHO VERDE REGION
Originated in the 12th century.
Quinta do Hospital is a fully walled property in Monção and Melgaço, sub-region of the Vinhos Verdes region.
It is believed that the land where the Quinta is located was donated by the mother of Dom Afonso Henriques – Countess Dona Teresa de Leão – to the Hospital Order of São João de Jerusalem or Order of the Hospital, and was part of the invitation to these “Hospitallers ” if they settled in the “Portucalense” County. The Order of the Hospital was one of the main international institutions of the time and its implantation implied prestige and a strategy to establish an important ally for the autonomic policy that was being developed, contributing to the process of affirmation of the County and its subsequent independence, leading to the formation of Portugal.
Vinha da quinta do hospital
In one of the largest and most impressive valleys of the Minho
Quinta do Hospital is currently a notable Minho farm, formed by an agro-forest area of 25 hectares, on the left bank of the river Minho, a little upstream from the mouth of its beautiful tributary – the river Mouro.
The vineyard is located in one of the largest and most striking valleys of the Minho.
the winery
Exceptional conditions for creating wines that tell the story of a region
A modern winery, created from scratch, designed in every detail to meet the demands of high-quality production.
vinhos verdes
Pieces of a history that reveals itself in each bottle
Barão do Hospital
The roots of hospitality
The title “Barão do Hospital” was awarded to one of the previous owners of Quinta do Hospital.
In the Middle Ages, hospitals were spaces created in the spirit of helping others, designed to welcome and give “hospitality” to travelers.