Quinta da Romeyra, Espumante Bruto
Vintage: 2023
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | QR103T23 | 3 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, historic Bucelas (Portugal's only exclusively white wine 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.
Vintage
Luís Cabral de Almeida commented on the “excellent wines” of the 2023 Bucelas vintage (his first at Quinta da Romeyra), 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, with harvest beginning on 22nd August and concluding on 25th September.
Vinification
Upon arrival at the winery, the hand-harvested Arinto grapes were destemmed and gently pressed to obtain a very clear must. The first fermentation took place in stainless-steel tanks at controlled temperatures to preserve the freshness of the fruit. The second fermentation was carried out in the same bottle in which the wine was later released, in accordance with the traditional Champagne method. The wine was aged on the lees for a minimum of twelve months before riddling and disgorgement.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
Pale lemon in colour. Expressive aromas of fresh apple and white stone fruit are layered with subtle notes of brioche and nuts. The palate is lively and well-balanced, with fine, persistent bubbles and vibrant acidity. A delicate mineral note adds lift, carrying the defined fruit through onto a crisp, harmonious finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
12%
Acidity
6.6 g/l
Residual Sugar
3 g/l
pH
3.1
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinta da Romeyra | `Prova Régia` Bucelas Arinto | QR101 | W | Factsheet | |
| `Morgado de Santa Catherina` Bucelas Arinto | QR102 | W | Factsheet |