Quinta da Romeyra, `Prova Régia` Bucelas Arinto
Vintage: 2024
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | QR101B24 | 6 x 75 | Agglomerated Cork | Contact Us |
Producer
Quinta da Romeyra (formerly Quinta da Romeira) is one of the most prestigious estates in Bucelas, Portugal’s only exclusively white wine appellation. They pioneered modernisation in the region over the past 30 years and are believed to have the largest Arinto vineyard in the world (a grape variety they have been associated with since 1540), with 75 hectares of vineyard dedicated almost exclusively to the grape, planted on clay-limestone soils. The property was bought by the Guedes family in 2018, who have invested heavily in the estate, improving the viticulture and, as of 2023, putting the talented Luís Cabral de Almeida (of Herdade do Peso fame) in charge of winemaking.
Quinta da Romeyra has a remarkable history. During the Peninsula Wars (1808-1814), the Duke of Wellington used the estate as his headquarters, developed a taste for their wines, and brought them home to London as a gift to King George IV. They soon gained a following in Britain, with celebrity fans including Charles Dickens and Lord Byron. In 2025, the estate name was restored to its original spelling of ‘Quinta da Romeyra’, as cited in the first historical record of the property, dating back to 1218.
The ‘Prova Régia’ is a nod to this royal endorsement, with the name translating as ‘royal approval’. Made from 100% Arinto fermented in stainless steel and unoaked, this is a vibrant wine boasting precise aromas of ripe lemon, green apple and a marked minerality. Four months of lees stirring add texture to the palate, and a crisp acidity carries the bright fruit flavours through to a clean finish.
The ‘Morgado de Santa Catherina’, is a partially barrel-fermented 100% Arinto. Aged for nine months in French oak barrels, 40% of which are new, with regular bâtonnage, it marries delicious brioche aromas with the characteristic zesty fruit of the Arinto.
The ‘Espumante Bruto’ is a traditional method sparkling, which is, again, made from 100% Arinto. The natural linear acidity of this prized, indigenous variety lends itself particularly well to sparkling wine production. After secondary fermentation in bottle, the wine is aged on its lees for a minimum of twelve months, gaining remarkable biscuity complexity.
Vineyards
Located 15 miles north-east of Lisbon, the historic Bucelas appellation is protected from the worst of the Atlantic weather systems by hills to the west and benefits from the moderating influence of the wide estuary of the Tagus river to the east. This favourable mesoclimate, combined with clay-limestone soils on rolling hills, provides the perfect growing environment for Portugal’s Arinto grape variety to ripen to perfection, accumulating great intensity of flavour whilst retaining a crisp natural acidity. With 75 hectares planted mainly with Arinto, Quinta da Romeyra is purported to be the largest Arinto vineyard in the world. Microzoning studies have identified 22 different soil types and there is a huge range of different exposures and altitudes on the estate.
Vintage
The 2024 vintage proved a challenging one, with high humidity in spring which led to an increase of disease pressure. Fortunately, the summer brought warmth and dry weather which allowed for good recovery, especially for the white grapes. September started with good conditions although there was some rain later in the month. Overall, a combination of good canopy management, and well considered picking times meant that despite a slight reduction in yield, the harvested grapes were of good quality, with high concentration and balanced acidity.
Vinification
Upon arrival at the Quinta da Romeyra winery, the grapes were cooled, carefully destemmed, and gently pressed to preserve the delicate aromatics. After cold static decanting for three days, alcoholic fermentation was carried out in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures of 14-16°C. The wine was then aged on its lees in stainless steel vats for four months prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
Lemon yellow in colour. On the nose, this wine boasts ripe notes of ripe lemon and green apple with subtle jasmine nuances and marked minerality. On the palate, it is well balanced with a pleasant texture from the lees ageing, paired with good acidity, citrus notes and a refreshing finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
12%
Acidity
5.5 g/l
Residual Sugar
1.5 g/l
pH
3.2
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinta da Romeyra | `Morgado de Santa Catherina` Bucelas Arinto | QR102 | W | Factsheet | |
| Espumante Bruto | QR103 | SpW | Factsheet |