Quinta da Ermegeira

Ricardo wanted to produce wines naturally without the use of synthetic chemicals or sulfites, in the rich and discreet interior region of Torres Vedras, on the outskirts of Lisbon. He now makes 100% of his wines from their grapes on 5.5ha of vines in this one region and uses only stainless steel, some carbonic maceration and gentle pressing, which result in wines with fairly low ABV and fairly high drinkability. Zero-zero wines in the tastiest of ways! In 2018 only 16.000 bottles were made, due to a very difficult year + 3 days of heat stroke. In 2019 he was up to around 50,000 bottles in total. We don’t have many cases to go around and these wines tend to vanish quickly each vintage. - Selections de la Viña

About the Winemaker

Quinta da Ermegeira

"Ricardo Melo is originally from Brazil where he first got familiar with Portuguese wines at a young age. After working
as a sommelier in London for many years, and frustrated at the lack of quality wine from Portugal at the time, he
found a way to move and begin farming the way he wished others had.
He only uses his own estate grapes from 5.5ha of land - certified organic, dry-farmed, and even some biodynamic
preparations, such as 500 and 508, which is used constantly to combat mildew. The idea was to make delicious, low
ABV wines in a totally natural way from grapes unique to their interior microclimate. All done in stainless steel, small
production by hand, with no SO2 at all. - Zev Rovine Selections"

The Region

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon's natural wine scene is a vibrant tapestry woven with tradition, innovation, and a deep respect for the land. Nestled amidst the picturesque hillsides and coastal breezes of Portugal's capital city, Lisbon's natural winemakers embrace a philosophy of minimal intervention and organic viticulture, allowing the grapes to express themselves authentically. From the rugged landscapes of Colares to the sun-kissed vineyards of the Tejo region, Lisbon offers a diverse array of terroirs that contribute to the complexity and character of its wines. With a focus on indigenous grape varieties like Touriga Nacional and Arinto, alongside lesser-known treasures, Lisbon's natural wines often showcase a spectrum of flavors ranging from bright citrus and floral notes to earthy undertones, all buoyed by refreshing acidity. This dynamic and evolving wine scene reflects Lisbon's spirit of creativity, sustainability, and a deep-rooted connection to the land and its traditions.