Cartuxa Pera Manca White 2022

Region and Vineyards

The wine hails from DOC Alentejo - Évora, one of Portugal's most historic wine-producing zones. Alentejo, stretching across rolling plains in the south, is known for its warm climate, where long hot summers contrast with cool nights, allowing grapes to achieve both ripeness and balance. The vineyards are rooted in granitic soils, which contribute a firm mineral backbone and precision to the wines.

Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city, has been associated with winemaking since Roman times. Within this area, Fundação Eugénio de Almeida cultivates traditional Portuguese white varieties such as Arinto and Antão Vaz. Arinto brings freshness, citrus lift, and marked acidity, while Antão Vaz, considered the flagship white grape of Alentejo, contributes body, tropical fruit notes, and structure. Together, they create a wine of tension and richness, ideally suited to aging.

Winemaking

Pêra-Manca White is a blend of Arinto and Antão Vaz, harvested at optimal maturity to ensure both aromatic expression and freshness. Grapes are carefully handpicked, destemmed, and gently crushed before fermentation. This takes place partly in stainless steel vats and partly in French oak barrels, under controlled temperature around 16 °C.

Following fermentation, the wine rests 12 months on its lees with regular bâtonnage, enhancing texture and aromatic complexity. It is then aged for an additional 10 months in bottle before release, a patience-driven process that underscores the estate's philosophy of producing wines with both immediate charm and long-term aging potential. The result is a wine of 13% alcohol, 5.7 g/L total acidity, and 1.5 g/L residual sugar, balancing richness with vibrancy.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright straw-yellow with green reflections, indicating youth and freshness.
• Aroma: Refined bouquet of citrus zest, ripe peach, and tropical hints of pineapple, layered with white flowers, toast, and subtle vanilla from oak aging. Mineral undertones add complexity.
• Palate: Full-bodied yet elegant, with a creamy texture from extended lees contact. Notes of stone fruit and citrus unfold with precision, supported by refreshing acidity. The finish is long, saline, and persistent, promising further development in bottle.

Did you know?

The name Pêra-Manca comes from a vineyard mentioned as early as the 14th century, historically linked to wines favored by Portuguese kings and explorers. Fundação Eugénio de Almeida revived the name in 1990 to designate only its most exceptional wines, released exclusively in outstanding vintages.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled sea bass: The freshness and mineral drive of Arinto cut through the richness of the fish, while Antão Vaz adds volume to match its succulence.
• Roast chicken with lemon and herbs: The citrus lift in the wine mirrors the flavors of the dish, while the wine's creamy texture enhances the meat's juiciness.
• Seafood risotto: The wine's acidity balances the richness of the rice, while its saline edge harmonizes with shellfish.
• Soft cheeses such as Serra da Estrela: The wine's structure and lees-derived creaminess complement the cheese's smooth texture and delicate intensity.

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.