Sustainability

Integrated production is an agricultural production system, based on good agricultural practices, with rational management of natural resources, prioritizing the use of natural regulation mechanisms instead of production factors, thus contributing to sustainable agriculture.

Based on the Alentejo Wine Sustainability Programme (PSVA), a pioneering programme in Portugal and Europe, the winemaking practiced at Herdade da Amada has the basic objective of producing quality grapes and wines in an economically viable way.

At the same time, we protect the environment, improving relationships with employees and neighbors.

The PSVA objectives of Herdada da Amada are:

  • Optimization of natural resources
  • Functional biodiversity
  • spontaneous covers
  • Multifunctional hedges

Viticulture

Viticulture at Herdade da Amada follows the principle of minimal intervention, a viticulture that respects the nature of the grape varieties and their terroir.

This type of minimal intervention viticulture is based on prevention combined with strong monitoring and follow-up.

Minimal Intervention Viticulture:

  • Intervene when strictly necessary;
  • Meteorology (forecast)
  • Monitoring (measurement)

Risk estimates | Pest control | Traps | On-site monitoring of all phenological stages to better support decision-making

Jose Luis Marmelo

Viticologist

Graduated in Agricultural Engineering from the Escola Superior Agrária de Castelo Branco and a consultant in the agricultural sector for 26 years, he has dedicated most of his time to viticulture and invested in knowledge of the ampelography of grape varieties adapted to the Portalegre region, which he defines as the "true MECCA for Portuguese wines".

Involved in numerous projects, from renowned national and international groups, he is an asset in terms of technical and scientific contribution in the field.

Currently a winegrower in Serra de Portalegre, where he carries out various tests in terms of management, fertilization, pest and disease control within the scope of organic production.

Open and aware that the future is more environmentally friendly, he sees sustainable agriculture as the best way to express the true terroir.

Enology

The Enology of Herdade da Amada follows the principle of minimal intervention, subtractive enology.

It is an oenology with a strong scientific basis, which works to the maximum with the chemistry of the grape and with the time factor, which uses oenological products only when strictly necessary.

By combining such strong factors as limestone soils, altitude and the Alentejo climate, oenology serves as a vector for enhancing the best of each of the grape varieties present here, through individual vinification by grape variety and by area (altitude, borders, soil patches).

Focused on respecting the Alentejo wine culture and its grape varieties, but never forgetting the challenge of developing several ranges in the portfolio, which cover different types of consumers.

Susana Esteban

Consultant winemaker

We count on the knowledge of the experienced and talented winemaker Susana Esteban, whose "savoir faire" of more than 20 years in the field, will provide an extremely important technical contribution to the interpretation of the terroir that we intend to reveal in the glass.

Susana Esteban was born in Tui, Spain, but has been developing her career as a winemaker in Portuguese lands, from the Douro (Qtª do Castro 2002 to 2007) to the Alentejo. In the Alentejo, she has been developing exceptional work as a consultant for several producers.

During this career, her work has been recognised both nationally and internationally. In 2012, she was awarded the most prestigious prize that a winemaker can receive in Portugal, the title of "Winemaker of the Year", by Revista de Vinhos, and to date she is the only woman to have been awarded this distinction.

Bruno Pinto da Silva

Resident Winemaker

Young but experienced winemaker who will manage the daily work in the cellar from grapes to bottles.

"I embraced this project because of the genuine and captivating way in which it was presented to me.

Because more than a business, it is a life project, and this will be felt inside each bottle.

When we work with passionate people, with the right values ​​and who want to do good, we have the essence to achieve our goals.

The rest is time, because wine is time.

I wish and intend to help the dream become reality, so that we can provide great moments to whoever opens a bottle."