Wines that capture the true character of the Beira region
Beira Interior DOC
Wines that capture the true character of the Beira region
DOC BEIRA INTERIOR
Located in Ferro, in the municipality of Covilhã, Quinta dos Alvercões’ vineyards are set on mid-slopes, on low-fertility granite soils with excellent west-facing sun exposure. The local microclimate, marked by warm days and cool nights during the ripening period, is tempered by the proximity of the Zêzere River, allowing for slower, balanced ripening and resulting in wines with a distinct sense of place and strong terroir expression.
Francisco Matos Soares, grandson of a small winegrower from Ferro, developed an early connection to the vineyard and winemaking. He holds a degree in Agronomy from the Instituto Superior de Agronomia in Lisbon and has built his professional path in viticulture within the Beira Interior region, with a particular focus on experimentation and the preservation of indigenous grape varieties. He also served as President of the Covilhã Cooperative Winery.
The recent history of Quinta dos Alvercões began in 1992, with the restructuring of an existing vineyard and the planting of the first parcels. Since then, the project has grown steadily and with purpose. The vineyards have been under integrated production since 2001 and have been in conversion to organic farming since 2023.
Winemaking began in 2021, using a carefully selected portion of the estate’s grapes and making use of a small, adapted winery. In 2023, the facilities were expanded, increasing vinification capacity in line with the vineyard’s growth, now covering approximately 8 hectares. A further expansion is planned, with the aim of vinifying the estate’s full production.
At Quinta dos Alvercões, each harvest reflects the work carried out throughout the year. The wines are the result of a careful, hands-on approach, with strong family involvement and a commitment to continuous improvement.
In the municipality of Covilhã, in the parish of Ferro, lie the vineyards of Quinta dos Alvercões.
Set on mid-slope terrain with low-fertility granite soils, the vineyards benefit from excellent west-facing sun exposure and a microclimate characterised by significant diurnal temperature variation, with warm days and cool nights during the ripening period. The proximity to the Rio Zêzere provides a moderating influence, allowing for balanced grape maturation and contributing to wines with a strong sense of place, marked by authenticity and distinction.
Expressive terroir, defined by its identity
Hand - harvested and carefully selected
Aged in French oak barrels
Siria
A widely planted white grape variety in the Beira Interior region, known for its consistent and relatively high yields. Well adapted to local growing conditions, it produces wines with a pale citrus colour and a medium-intensity fruity profile, showing notes of tropical and citrus fruits, with a well-balanced interplay between alcohol and acidity.
Fonte Cal
A moderately productive white variety with early ripening, well suited to the conditions of the Beira Interior. It typically produces wines with relatively high alcohol and a profile marked by floral and fruity notes. Often used in blends with Síria or Arinto, where it contributes to overall balance.
Jaen
A productive and reliable red variety with early ripening, well adapted to the Beira Interior. It produces wines with relatively high alcohol and moderate acidity, displaying a delicate aromatic profile with floral notes that evolve into ripe fruit.
Trincadeira
A red grape variety of moderate and sometimes irregular yield, with early to mid ripening. Well suited to warm climates and low-fertility soils. It produces deeply coloured wines with notes of ripe plum and spice, showing good structure and ageing potential.
Touriga Nacional
A productive and reliable red variety with early ripening, well adapted to the Beira Interior. It produces wines with relatively high alcohol and moderate acidity, displaying a delicate aromatic profile with floral notes that evolve into ripe fruit.
Aragonez (Tempranillo)
A vigorous red grape variety, known as Tinta Roriz in central and northern Portugal, with mid-season ripening. It produces deeply coloured wines with high alcohol, aromatic intensity and complexity, offering good ageing potential.
Síria
A widely planted white grape variety in the Beira Interior region, known for its consistent and relatively high yields. Well adapted to local growing conditions, it produces wines with a pale citrus colour and a medium-intensity fruity profile, showing notes of tropical and citrus fruits, with a well-balanced interplay between alcohol and acidity.
Fonte Cal
A moderately productive white variety with early ripening, well suited to the conditions of the Beira Interior. It typically produces wines with relatively high alcohol and a profile marked by floral and fruity notes. Often used in blends with Síria or Arinto, where it contributes to overall balance.
Trincadeira
A red grape variety of moderate and sometimes irregular yield, with early to mid ripening. Well suited to warm climates and low-fertility soils. It produces deeply coloured wines with notes of ripe plum and spice, showing good structure and ageing potential.
Jaén (Mencia-Espanha)
A productive and reliable red variety with early ripening, well adapted to the Beira Interior. It produces wines with relatively high alcohol and moderate acidity, displaying a delicate aromatic profile with floral notes that evolve into ripe fruit.
Touriga Nacional
A red variety well adapted to the region, with higher yields in fertile soils and mid-season ripening. It produces full-bodied, complex and intensely aromatic wines, with notes of dark fruit and wild flowers, and excellent ageing potential.
Aragonês (Tempranillo-Espanha)
A vigorous red grape variety, known as Tinta Roriz in central and northern Portugal, with mid-season ripening. It produces deeply coloured wines with high alcohol, aromatic intensity and complexity, offering
good ageing potential.
Photos by Luis Vaz
Or fill in our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible
Contate-nos
Thank you for your enquiry. We will be in touch shortly.
Sorry, there was an error sending your message. Please try again later.
EMAIL: geral@quintadosalvercoes.com
Please note that while our location is shown on the map, Quinta dos Alvercões is not yet open to the public for visits.
If you would like to purchase our wines, we would be delighted to assist you. Sales are currently conducted exclusively via telephone. Please contact us directly to place your order.
