Álvaro Castro is widely acknowledged to be the leading producer in Portugal’s Dão region, known as the Burgundy of Portugal because of the elegance of its wines. He makes a large array of wines from his two Quintas – Quinta da Pellada and Quinta de Saes – all of which aim at elegance and finesse, and expressing their terroirs to the full. Álvaro was a civil engineer before he inherited Quinta da Pellada, which dates back to the year 1570, in 1980. At the time of his inheritance, he decided to make something out of the estate and give it his full time and attention. Rapidly the enthusiasm for his wines made him decide to re-establish the old family tradition of winemaking full time.

With white varieties such as Encruzado, Cerceal Branco and Bical, and reds such as the Tourigas Nacional and Roriz, Alfrocheiro, Jaen, Tinta Amerela and Tinta Cao, there are many possible combinations that enable Alvaro’s imagination to thrive. What links them is his blend of traditional and modern techniques, creating wines of balance and integrity.