Collection: Herdade da Mingorra

The estate of Mingorra extends in the surroundings of Beja with over 1400 hectares of variegated landscape. Out of those, 135 are occupied by vineyards, half of them are old vineyards. This heritage encouraged Henrique Uva, the owner, to erect a new wine cellar and to create, along with the winemaker Pedro Hipólito a remarkable portfolio of wines, innovative in the Baixo Alentejo.

For many years now, Henrique Uva has been selling the product of his vineyards, without venturing as an independent producer. This dream was only fulfilled in 2004, when by the experienced hand of the architect Vítor Vaz, a new wine house of two thousand square meters was built. Dedicated to the vinification of its own grapes, keeping intact some traditional techniques of the Alentejo wine culture, the winery has established itself as a center of excellence and originated a remarkable range of the Herdade da Mingorra brand wines.

The remarkable work of the enologist Pedro Hipólito largely contributed to this, who soon became recognized by the brilliance of his creations. These wines have been a commercial and critical success.

The vines have certainly helped. Half of them are old, rare vineyards in the region. The castes are: Trincadeira, Aragonez, Alfrocheiro, Castelão and Alicante Bouschet, among the reds. Antão Vaz, Arinto, Verdelho, Semillon, Alvarinho, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc, form the white estate.

From a starting range, Terras d'Uva is simple and authentic, ascending to the Mingorra harvest wines. The white establishes a good compromise between youth and character in a blend of Antão Vaz and Arinto. The red is a blend of four grape varieties, in strong red color and aroma of ripe fruits. There is also room for a fresh and persistent rose of Touriga Nacional and Syrah varieties.

Reserves are extracted from the best plots. The white is a varietal of Antão Vaz, the most noble Alentejo caste, resting over six months in French oak. Of citrus complexion, aroma of dried fruit, it appears in the buttery mouth, unctuous and fresh.

The red wine harmonizes the grape varieties of the old vines, resulting in an aroma of ripe fruits, with notes of dark chocolate and tobacco leaf, concentrated flavor, complex and persistent ending.

To be taken seriously are the Black Reds and Vinhas da Ira. The first unites the petit verdot to a variety kept secret. Of intense aspect, aroma of black fruit, good harmonization with the wood, this is a full-bodied wine, with volume and persistency. The Vinnhas da Ira comes from a very special part of the old vines. A blend of Alfrocheiro, Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet and Touriga Nacional, presents itself with a complex aroma, of very mature red fruits, very voluminous in the mouth, full bodied and long at the end.

The Estate is equally proud to create a varietal of Alvarinho and another one of Touriga Nacional, revealing the full potential of its terroir.

Herdade da Mingorra has become one of the most respected origins for those who enjoy Alentejo wines, due to its connection to the land, the wisdom of winemaking, the alchemical relationship between traditional methods and the most innovative techniques. Henrique Uva certainly deserves that we toast to him.