Antonio Madeira Os Granitos 2020

Region and Vineyards

Set in Portugal's Dão—specifically the Serra da Estrela subregion—Os Granitos hails from a highland landscape of decomposed granite that naturally preserves acidity and aromatics. The site is worked biodynamically and by hand, underscoring a philosophy that prioritizes soil health and purity of expression.

This is a single parcel of ~100-year-old vines, tiny in size yet geologically complex: within this one plot there are five distinct types of granite, a mosaic that imbues the wine with its signature mineral line. The field blend comprises 20+ indigenous red varieties, with Jaen typically dominant alongside Baga and Tinta Amarela and small shares of heritage grapes such as Bastardo, Alfrocheiro, Alicante Bouschet and others.

Winemaking

Grapes are harvested by hand into small baskets. A gentle, low-extraction approach is used: the fruit is destemmed, given a short cold soak, and fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in small vessels, with minimal punch-downs to favor infusion over force. Malolactic follows naturally.

Élevage is deliberately discreet: the wine matures about 18 months (two winters) in used barrels (chiefly 500-L, no new oak), is unfined and unfiltered, and bottled with modest SO₂ only. In 2020, concentration is a touch higher, shaping tannin texture while preserving freshness (≈13.4-13.5% vol.).

Tasting Notes

• Color: Medium ruby, clear at the rim, signaling finesse and lift.
• Aroma: Wild red berries, blueberry and blood/iron tones with dried flowers, orange peel and a whisper of pine and herbs; crushed granite underneath.
• Palate: Sleek and tensile—juicy red fruit meets savory, stony detail; fine-grained tannins, bright acidity and a long, saline finish.

Did you know?

"Os Granitos" means "the granites" and refers to the site's extraordinary geology: within a 0.3-ha centenarian parcel lie five different granite types, a rare micro-mosaic that Antonio Madeira treats as a Dão "grand cru."

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Herb-crusted lamb chops — savory herbs echo the wine's aromatic lift; acidity refreshes the palate.
• Roast duck with orange and cranberry — citrus and red fruit mirror the wine's berry-citrus spectrum; supple tannins suit richer poultry.
• Wild-mushroom risotto — umami and cream meet the wine's mineral spine and saline finish.
• Aged Serra da Estrela cheese — regional harmony; salt and protein amplify fruit and length.

History of Antonio Madeira

Born in France to Portuguese parents, Antonio Madeira grew up with a dual cultural identity that deeply influenced his path. Though initially pursuing a career outside of wine, his heritage drew him back to Portugal in search of his roots. In 2010, he discovered centenarian vineyards in the highlands of the Serra da Estrela, convinced they were the "grand crus" of Dão.

From the start, he committed to organic and biodynamic methods, emphasizing authenticity over fashion. Inspired by classical winemakers such as Henri Jayer, Madeira adopted an "infusion" approach to vinification, favoring delicacy, balance, and transparency. His first commercial wines appeared in 2011, quickly gaining recognition among sommeliers and critics for their originality and sense of place.

Region and Vineyards

Antonio Madeira works exclusively in the Dão Serra da Estrela subregion, an area of altitude (400-700 m), cool nights, and poor granite soils. These conditions preserve freshness, acidity, and aromatic lift, giving the wines their hallmark tension and minerality.

His holdings are small and fragmented, consisting of old-vine field blends—some over 100 years old—where 20-30 indigenous varieties coexist in the same parcel. Among the most important are Jaen, Baga, Tinta Amarela, Alfrocheiro, and Bastardo, while whites include Encruzado, Bical, and Malvasia Fina. Vineyard work is done by hand and horse, with a strong commitment to biodiversity and living soils.

Wine Range of Antonio Madeira

The portfolio reflects both terroir hierarchy and stylistic precision.

• Vinhas Velhas: old-vine blends from multiple plots, red and white, showcasing depth and complexity.
• Os Granitos: a single, centenarian parcel with five granite types, considered a "grand cru" of the estate.
• A Palheira: a premier cru selection from Antonio's best vineyards, named after a humble "shed," symbolizing authenticity.
• Colheita: entry-level wines that introduce the estate style with freshness and drinkability.

All wines are made with native yeasts, minimal extraction, low intervention, and maturation in neutral oak, preserving purity of fruit and terroir definition.

Did you know?

The name A Palheira, given to one of his wines, means "shed" in Portuguese. Madeira chose it deliberately as a counterpoint to the grandeur of "château" or "domaine," highlighting the humble but essential structures where growers keep their tools—an homage to the authenticity of vignerons.