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Dona Maria Winery Guide
EXPLORE ALL OUR RECOMMENDED PORTUGUESE WINERIES
Last updated: April 18, 2024
Winery Overview
The captivating Quinta do Carmo estate near Estremoz, in the heart of the Alentejo, is now firmly on the map for its beauty, history, and superior quality wine produced. One of the region’s most beautifully preserved stately homes, it showcases many original Baroque features and architecture from the times of King John V, who bought the palace for his Lady, Dona Maria, not his wife. Júlio Bastos inherited the Quinta and vines with over 130 years of winemaking history and, in 1988, started his wine business with the acclaimed Quinta do Carmo Garrafeira 1986 and 1987.
In 1992, Júlio Bastos sold 50% of the Sociedad Agricola Quinta do Carmo to Domaines Barons de Rothschild and transferred the winery to another property. At the start of the millennium, Júlio sold his remaining share of the Sociedad Agricola Quinta do Carmo but kept the Quinta, enabling him to commence his new project, Dona Maria Wines. The wines have gone from strength to strength, winning multiple national and international awards, prizes, and recognition. We can confidently say that we are huge fans of all the Dona Maria wines. When you visit the Quinta on our luxury wine tour, Isabel, Júlio’s wife, will receive you. She is hugely passionate and enjoys sharing their wines and charming home with guests. After an extensive tasting, Isabel will invite you to join her for an intimate lunch in the ornate palace dining room. This is a sublime and unforgettable experience.
Wines produced
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Dona Maria Viognier
100% Viognier from clay/limestone soils. No barrel ageing, resulting in fresh primary aromas and flavors of jasmine and apricot. -
Dona Maria Amantis Reserva
100% Viognier which undergoes fermentation in 400 L French oak barrels, with batonnage during 6 months. Smooth and silky with a great structure and balanced acidity. -
Dona Maria Rosé
Aragonez 60% and Touriga Nacional 40% provides a pretty light salmon color. A very zippy rosé with good acidity, tropical fruits and a hint of strawberry. -
Dona Maria Amantis Red
An equal blend of Syrah 25%, Petit Verdot 25%, Cabernet Sauvignon 25% and Touriga Nacional 25%. Ageing of one year in 70% French oak and 30% American oak barrels. The finished result is a dark, ruby red with a complex nose and rich red fruit mouth, a very elegant expression of Alentejo terroir. -
Dona Maria Touriga Nacional
100% Touriga Nacional is aged for 12 months in new French oak. Deep violet color. Dark fruits on the nose with a hint of spice. Tannins, fruit and acidity are in harmony, a great example of what this native Portuguese grape is capable of. -
Dona Maria Petit Verdot
100% Petit Verdot ages for one year in new French oak barrels. Full bodied and powerful with strong tannins, which benefit from bottle ageing. Elegant nose and sweet, dark fruits in the mouth. -
Dona Maria Grande Reserva
50% Alicante Bouschet with Petit Verdot, Syrah and Touriga Nacional selected from old vines and fermented in the ancient marble “lagares” using the traditional foot-treading method. It ages for one year in new French oak barrels. Incredibly intense, yet rounded with an excellent structure and long finish. Dark fruits with mint and spicy notes are expressed on the nose and follow through in the mouth. -
Júlio B. Bastos Alicante Bouschet
Dedicated to Júlio’s father, this wine is from select old Alicante Bouschet vines. Traditional vinificaction; foot-trodden in marble lagares is followed by a slow maturation over 14 months in new French oak barriques. The resulting wine is beautifully elegant, with rich plum and blackberry flavors and a hint of chocolate and spice.
Winery Contact Details
Dona Maria
Quinta do Carmo7100-055 Estremoz (38°51'16.3``N, 7°35'05.3``W)
Portugal
Email: [email protected]
Tel (+351) 268 339 150
Fax (+351) 268 339 155 Find out more
Facts & Figures
Appellation
Alentejo
Founded
2003
Area under Vine
80 ha
Age of vines
The Alicante Bouschet is over 60 years old and the younger vines were planted in 2002
Oak barrel origin
80% of French oak and 20% American oak
Winemaker
Júlio Bastos
Owner
Júlio and Isabel Bastos
Production
260,500 bottles
Grape Varieties Used by the Winery
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Antão Vaz
Antão Vaz: Popular Portuguese white wine grape, grown in Alentejo. Known for its fresh acidity, ideal for casual and fine dining.
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Arinto
Arinto is a versatile white wine grape variety known for its crisp acidity, citrus, green apple flavors, and a mineral finish
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Viognier
Viognier comes from the northern Rhône valley AOC of Condrieu and is where its most famous white wines are produced.
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Viosinho
Learn all about the Vioshino grape, its rich history, unique flavor profile, and food pairings. Don't miss out on this exciting grape variety! 🍇🍷 #VioshinoGrape
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Alicante Bouschet
Alicant Bouschet is a red wine grape popular in the Alentejo located in Southern Portugal. It's a cross of Petite Bouschet and Grenache grapes.
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Aragonez
Discover the versatile grape: Spain's Tempranillo, and in Portugal, Aragonês and Tinta Roriz (Douro Valley). Embrace the rich cultural tapestry of this beloved varietal.
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Cabernet Sauvignon
Discover the irresistible allure of Cabernet Sauvignon—a worldwide favorite with robust, dark-bodied flavor. Unleash your wine journey today!
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Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot is a full-bodied red wine grape varietal used in classic Bordeaux blends and originates in southwestern France
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Syrah
Syrah is dark-skinned and perhaps the most underrated of the 'noble' red grape varieties.
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Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional red varietal is a dark-skinned grape predominately grown in Douro and Dão. In the Douro, it is used as a blending grape in Port wines.
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Winery Appellations
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More information
If you would like us to customize an exclusive luxury tour, contact us and let us know your travel plans. We offer luxury food and wine tours for private groups of a mininium two guests. In addition, all of our private, chauffeured tours are available year-round upon request.
