Terras De Santo Antonio Encruzado Branco

Description

Quinta de Santo António is located in Fornos de Maceira Dão, in the municipality of Mangualde, and covers a total area of about 30 hectares, of which some 11 hectares are vineyards, mostly old vines, planted with the region's main grape varieties: Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz, Jaen, Rufete and Encruzado. The manor house is one of the oldest country houses in the municipality. The first wing dates from the 16th century and is marked by a simple façade with lightly decorated windows and an original corner window in the Manueline style. Later, a Baroque chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony, the beloved saint of the Beiras and protector of flocks, was added to the house. Its construction began in 1736, and it was not affected by the earthquake of 1755. Later, in the 20th century, the house's third wing was built, which includes the majestic clock tower. Viticulture has always played a very important role throughout the history of the Quinta and of the region. As early as the first charter (foral) granted by Count D. Henrique in 1102, grape production was mentioned and taxed. The current owner acquired the Quinta in 1999, with the aim of producing high-quality estate wines that express the unique character of the Dão. (image for illustrative purposes only)