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Herdade dos Coelheiros Winery Guide
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Last updated: April 18, 2024
Winery Overview
The Alentejo Wine Region is one of the most beautiful and undiscovered gems of a wine region, and the Herdade dos Coelheiros estate is one of the most fascinating. Known for their high-end dry reds and whites (their Tapada de Coelheiros Chardonnay, a multiple wine contest winner), the estate is also home to major walnut production (100 hectares), a vast area of Cork forest, and hunting grounds. Located near the tiny carpet-making village of Arraiolos, the distinctive wine labels of Tapada de Coelheiros are inspired by the famous decorative rugs.
The estate started making waves when winemaker António Saramago came on board in the early ’90s and has continued to go from strength to strength, now in the hands of Luís Patrão and his team. Production is relatively small, with only 40 hectares under vine. Various Portuguese indigenous and foreign varietals are grown and used in the blends, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante Bouschet, Artinto, Roupeiro, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and Antão Vaz.
A visit to this estate is a real treat. A highlight is a 4×4 tour of the beautiful property with its cork trees, walnut orchards, and vineyards. Then, back to the tasting room to sample the range, including the distinguished Coelheiros Chardonnay, which, despite its immense success, is to be no longer. 2016 was their last vintage. We eagerly await the next groundbreaker from this fabulous estate.
Wines produced
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Tapada de Coelheiros Red
Dry red made with Cabernet Sauvignon, and Alicante Bouschet. 18 months in French oak (30% new) and a further 18 months ageing in bottle. 13.5% Alc. -
Tapada de Coelheiros White
Dry white made with Casta Roupeiro and Arinto. Tropical on the palate. 13.5% Alc. After fermentation in stainless steel, it ages for 8 months in 500L barrels with bâtonnage. -
Tapada de Coelheiros Chardonnay
Dry white made with 100% Chardonnay. Fermented in French Oak, twice weekly bâtonnage during 6 months, plus 3 months ageing in bottle. 14% Alc. 2005 Winner of best Chardonnay in the world! Sadly 2016 was the last vintage and must be enjoyed while stock lasts. -
Vinha do Taco
100% Petit Verdot, from a single plot “Vinha do Taco”. Aged for 18 months in French oak and 5 years in the bottle. A beautiful example of Petit Verdot from the Alentejo; elegant with great acidity. -
Vinha da Tapada
Dry red made with Cabernet Sauvignon & Castelão. 6 months in French oak and 4 months in bottle.
Winery Contact Details
Herdade dos Coelheiros
Monte dos Coelheiros7040-202 Igrejinha
Portugal
Email: [email protected]
Tel +351 266 470 000
Fax +351 266 470 008 Find out more
Facts & Figures
Appellation
Vinho Regional Alentejano
Founded
1981
Area under Vine
40 hectares
Age of vines
Average age 20 years
Oak barrel origin
French
Winemaker
Luís Patrão
Owner
Alberto Weisser
Production
200,000 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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Roupeiro
A grape variety known for its contribution to white wine blends, adding a crisp acidity and a mix of tropical and citrus flavors. Some wines may also feature herbal notes
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Verdelho
Uncover the history and unique characteristics of Verdelho, a lesser-known grape variety used to make fortified wines.
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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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Merlot
Merlot is the most cultivated grape in Bordeaux and closely related to Cabernet Franc
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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
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