Quinta da Romeyra, `Morgado de Santa Catherina` Bucelas Arinto
Vintage: 2023
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | QR102B23 | 6 x 75 | Natural Cork | Available |
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 Romeira is purported to be the largest Arinto vineyard in the world.
Vintage
Luís Cabral de Almeida commented on the “excellent wines” of the 2023 Bucelas vintage (his first at Quinta da Romeira), describing the “delicious fruit” as showing the region’s “natural acidity: truly lively and balanced”. Production levels were higher compared to the dry 2022 vintage. Soils were well hydrated from the winter rains which, coupled with mild spring temperatures, allowed the vines to develop healthily. Meticulous work in the vineyards was carried out to keep diseases and pests at bay, as well as manage vegetation cover. Some rainfall in the summer helped the grapes to reach optimum levels of ripeness a little earlier than usual.
Vinification
Grapes were sourced from plots in south-facing vineyards at Quinta da Romeira. Harvested manually with total destemming and soft-crushing carried out at low temperatures. Following fermentation, cold static decanting took place in stainless steel tanks and casks of French oak. The wine was aged for nine months in 500-litre and 1200-litre French oak casks, which promote the wine's integration with the wood due to lees stirring. After this period, the final blend was made, bottled and aged in the bottle until consumption.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
Light golden in colour with green hints. On the nose, intense notes of stone fruit, lemon blossom and candied orange peel are married with subtle floral notes and toasty nuances from the oak ageing. The palate is broad and textured, balanced by a refreshing acidity that carries the intense flavours onto a long, supple finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
13%
Acidity
6 g/l
Residual Sugar
1 g/l
pH
3.3
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinta da Romeyra | `Prova Régia` Bucelas Arinto | QR101 | W | Factsheet | |
| Espumante Bruto | QR103 | SpW | Factsheet |