Cartuxa Pera Manca White 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Alentejo region, particularly Évora, provides the perfect backdrop for the production of Cartuxa's flagship wines. The vineyards here thrive in granite-rich soils, benefitting from Mediterranean climatic conditions characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. These elements, combined with the region’s long viticultural heritage, create the ideal environment for producing wines with complexity and structure.

At the heart of these vineyards are the native Portuguese grape varieties Antão Vaz and Arinto. These grapes are perfectly adapted to Alentejo’s heat, with Antão Vaz known for retaining freshness and acidity under intense sunlight, while Arinto contributes a zesty, citrus profile and crisp acidity to the final blend. The vineyards are part of the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation, which is committed to sustainable viticulture, ensuring the highest quality fruit for Pêra-Manca.

Winemaking

Pêra-Manca White is a blend of Antão Vaz and Arinto, carefully hand-harvested at peak ripeness. The grapes are destemmed and gently crushed before undergoing fermentation in a combination of stainless steel vats and French oak barrels at a controlled temperature of 16°C. This process preserves the wine's vibrant fruit purity while allowing for the development of subtle oak complexity.

After fermentation, the wine is aged on the lees for 12 months, with regular batonnage (lees stirring), which enhances its creamy texture and complexity. Before release, the wine undergoes an additional 12 months of bottle ageing, ensuring it reaches the perfect balance of freshness, depth, and elegance.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Brilliant pale gold with green highlights, suggesting youth and freshness.
• Aroma: A complex bouquet of ripe citrus, white peach, and tropical fruits, with hints of lime blossom and subtle oak.
• Palate: Rich and structured, with flavors of apricot, pineapple, and lime, underpinned by a creamy mouthfeel from lees ageing. A bright acidity adds balance, leading to a long, mineral-driven finish.

Did you know?

The Pêra-Manca brand has a history dating back to 1488, making it one of the oldest wine labels in Portugal. The wines of this region were so esteemed that they were aboard Pedro Álvares Cabral’s ship when he discovered Brazil in 1500, and today, Pêra-Manca remains a symbol of Portuguese excellence.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Bacalhau à Brás: The wine’s bright acidity and creamy texture perfectly complement the richness of this traditional Portuguese salt cod dish.
• Grilled Sea Bass with Lemon: The zesty citrus notes and minerality of Pêra-Manca highlight the delicate flavors of fresh fish, enhancing the lemon and herbs.
• Mushroom Risotto: The creamy texture and oak nuances of the wine harmonize beautifully with the earthy flavors of mushroom risotto.
• Roast Chicken with Thyme: The richness of the roast chicken pairs well with the wine’s subtle oak and vibrant fruit, creating a balanced and elegant combination.

History of Cartuxa

The history of Cartuxa is closely tied to the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation, founded by Vasco Maria Eugénio de Almeida. The foundation was created with a philanthropic mission to promote social, cultural, and educational development in the Alentejo region. Since taking ownership in 1963, the foundation has not only restored the estate but also ensured its role in producing some of Portugal’s finest wines.

Cartuxa gained international recognition when it revived the legendary Pêra-Manca wine label in 1990. This wine has become synonymous with excellence, especially the Pêra-Manca Tinto, often regarded as one of Portugal’s greatest wines. Historically, the Pêra-Manca wine was said to be on the ships that Pedro Álvares Cabral used when he discovered Brazil in 1500.

Region and Vineyards

Cartuxa’s vineyards are spread across 1,050 hectares of prime Alentejo terroir, with 650 hectares owned directly by the winery and 400 hectares leased long-term. The vineyards are situated in the Alentejo DOC – Évora, a region famous for its hot Mediterranean climate and granitic soils. These conditions are ideal for growing native Portuguese grape varieties like Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Trincadeira, and Antão Vaz. The combination of old vines and modern viticulture techniques allows Cartuxa to craft wines that reflect the full potential of the region.

Wine Range

Cartuxa offers a diverse range of wines, from their entry-level wines like Foral de Évora to their premium labels such as Cartuxa Colheita and the flagship Pêra-Manca. The winery produces both red and white wines, with an emphasis on indigenous grape varieties. The Pêra-Manca Tinto is particularly revered for its richness, complexity, and longevity, while the Pêra-Manca Branco showcases finesse and balance. The Cartuxa label, which includes both red and white wines, represents the heart of their production, known for their consistency and quality.

Did you know?

The Pêra-Manca wine was once aboard the ships of Pedro Álvares Cabral, the Portuguese explorer who discovered Brazil in 1500. This historical connection adds to the legendary status of Pêra-Manca today, making it one of the most sought-after wines in Portugal and among collectors worldwide.