The centenary Quinta do Rol has always been linked to the local traditions and local farming. Located in the heart of Lourinhã, it is now in its third family generation, with Carlos Melo Ribeiro the current owner, who inherited the estate from his father.
The name Quinta do Rol emerges during the 19th century by its owner, an avid gamer who when money lacked to pay off his debts would have a rol/list of Farms for this purpose. The estate has always been linked to the production of Pêra Rocha (a native Portuguese variety of pear) and also to the production of brandy, with its own distillery dating back to the 18th century, when it was produced in great quantities to provide for the Port wine producers’ demands.
Rita Melo Ribeiro at Quinta do Rol © Blend All About Wine, Lda.
When Carlos Melo Ribeiro arrived at the head of Quinta do Rol he soon realized the region’s special climate; the proximity to the sea, the soils and topography, it has its own micro-climate which makes it one of the three regions in the world (in the likeness of Cognac and Armagnac) recognized as specific for the production of high quality brandy, with a specific designation of origin. With an extensive replantation of the vineyards, with Ugni Blanc, Malvasia Fina and Alicante Branca for the brandy production, and Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay… for the production of quality table and sparkling wine.
Quinta do Rol Aguardente Velha XO © Blend All About Wine, Lda.
With regards to the brandy, the demarcated region of Lourinhã dates back to 1992 and it is the third worldwide, after the well-known demarcated regions of Cognac and Armagnac, both in France. The Quinta do Rol accounts for an annual production (10,000 liters), and has spent more than ten years producing and not selling, waiting to reach the right moment to put on the market one of the most exclusive products produced in Portugal, Quinta do Rol Aguardente Velha XO.
Quinta do Rol Espumante Blanc de Blancs 2008 © Blend All About Wine, Lda.
Quinta do Rol Espumante Blanc de Blancs 2008
Made from Chardonnay, it joins good freshness with a slight mousse that involves all the tropical and citrus fruit with marzipan in the background. Mouth with good freshness, tasty and well-structured.
Quinta do Rol Selecção branco 2012
The only blended wine (Arinto, Alvarinho and Chardonnay) from Quinta do Rol, fresh with a closed set of aromas, green touch and citrus fruit, some greasiness conferred by batonnage. Mouth with good freshness and presence, marked by good definition of flavors, green pear in the finish.
Quinta do Rol Pinot Gris 2011
Presents a mild smoked set of aromas with chubby fruit wrapped in good freshness, delicate and tense. Fresh in the mouth with dryness at the end.
Quinta do Rol Sauvignon Blanc 2011 © Blend All About Wine, Lda.
Quinta do Rol Sauvignon Blanc 2011
I liked the approach of this Sauvignon Blanc with good definition, no sweet tropical aroma or flavor, much more herbaceous, green pepper, salt, fruit with a smoked touch in the background. Good freshness and mouth presence in a fancy Sauvignon.
Quinta do Rol Pinot Noir Reserva 2009
A pure muscle Pinot Noir, fresh nose with red fruits and mild vegetable (moss), loses a bit in the aroma definition by being yet too compact. Mouth with ripe fruit of good size, freshness, good amplitude, slight dryness at the end of the mouth, long and persistent finish.
Contacts
Quinta Rol
Ribeira, Palheiros
2530-442 Miragaia
Tel: (+351) 261 437 484
Email: info@quintadorol.com
Site: www.quintadorol.com
Afonso Marques
João Pedro Carvalho, tomo a liberdade de lhe recomendar uma conversa com o Dr. Horácio Caixaria, meu primo. Primeiro impulsionador da demarcação. Apesar dos seus 90 anos, conhece e relata com rigor a história desta “lança em África”, que é a demarcação da Aguardente da Lourinhã.
Abraço
AM