Cartuxa
Cartuxa is one of Portugal's oldest and most prestigious wineries, located in the Évora sub-region of Alentejo. The estate is deeply intertwined with Portuguese history, with vines planted at Quinta de Valbom since 1517, and the nearby Cartuxa Monastery, dating to 1587, lending the winery its name.
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.
