Antonio Madeira Vinhas Velhas Red 2021

Region and Vineyards

Antonio Madeira's Vinhas Velhas Red 2021 hails from the heart of the Dão region, one of Portugal's most historic and mountainous viticultural zones. Located within the subregion of Serra da Estrela, the vineyards lie at altitudes between 500 and 600 metres. This elevation, combined with the cool Atlantic breezes filtered through the mountains, fosters a long growing season that preserves acidity and enhances aromatic complexity.

The vines are exceptionally old, ranging from 50 to over 100 years, and are trained on poor, sandy granite soils. Many are field blends, a living relic of Portugal's viticultural heritage, with over 20 native red varieties interplanted. While Baga, Jaen, and Tinta Amarela dominate the cuvée, others like Marufo, Tinta Pinheira, Bastardo, Alfrocheiro, Touriga Nacional, and Alicante Bouschet contribute subtle inflections. Cultivated biodynamically and entirely by hand, these vines yield small quantities of intensely characterful fruit that form the foundation of the wine's unique identity.

Winemaking

Vinification adheres to minimal intervention principles and highlights Madeira's dedication to preserving the character of each vineyard. The grapes are harvested manually into small baskets, with an initial sort conducted in the vineyard. Following gentle destemming and pressing, the must undergoes a cold maceration of 4-5 days to enhance aromatic expression.

Fermentation begins naturally in small tanks or open plastic vats, with indigenous yeasts initiating the process. A single daily punch-down is performed by hand over the course of the 12-14 day fermentation, ensuring gentle extraction. The wine is then transferred to used French oak barrels of 400-600 litres, where it rests for two winters—a practice that stabilizes the wine naturally without the need for fining or filtration. This restrained aging regimen contributes subtle texture and polish without imposing overt oak influence.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale to medium ruby, with slight translucency, reflecting its old-vine and high-altitude origins.
• Aroma: A heady, expressive bouquet of wild herbs, red cherry, cranberry, dried rose petals, forest floor, and crushed granite. Subtle notes of spice, pine resin, and flint accent the complexity.
• Palate: Light on its feet yet intensely flavoured, this is a wine of tension and precision. Red fruits mingle with earthy mineral undertones and floral nuances. The tannins are finely grained, the acidity vibrant, and the finish long, savoury, and slightly saline.

Did you know?

Antonio Madeira is not originally from Dão, but of Portuguese descent and born in France. After discovering his roots, he relocated to Portugal and began rescuing old, abandoned vineyards—many on the brink of extinction. His Vinhas Velhas cuvée is considered one of the most authentic representations of pre-industrial Dão viticulture, embodying a rare blend of cultural preservation and winemaking artistry.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roast suckling pig: The wine's freshness and fine tannins cut beautifully through the richness of the meat.
• Grilled wild mushrooms with polenta: The earthiness of the mushrooms echoes the wine's forest floor and mineral notes.
• Herb-crusted lamb chops: Complements the wine's herbal aromas and adds a savoury depth to its subtle red fruit.
• Aged Serra da Estrela cheese: A local pairing that highlights regional harmony between acidity, texture, and flavour.

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.