Malhadinha Nova Malhadinha Red

At Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, nothing happens by chance. Built from the ground up in 2003, the winery, purposefully embedded into a hill, takes advantage of the natural slope for the vinification process. The grapes, cut from the vines, travel by hand in 12 kg baskets to where they are, gratefully, received to begin the winemaking process. Under a watchful eye, they reach the selection table after sorting in the vineyard. They are then destemmed and poured into the vats, without the use of pumps. Maceration is avoided and the final quality of the wines is ensured.

While his academic learning – a bachelor’s degree in oenology from the Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD) – was acquired close to his Douro roots, Luís Duarte’s name is closely linked to the Alentejo, where he established himself. Twice voted oenologist of the year in Portugal and winner of various wine awards, his characteristic bold and pioneering approach took him to Herdade do Esporão, one of the largest and most successful Portuguese winemakers. A friend of the Soares family and intrinsically linked to Herdade da Malhadinha Nova from the beginning, the iconic wine “Marias da Malhadinha” was his project. His work as a consultant takes place in close cooperation with the resident oenologist.