Vale De Cortém Vinhos Biologicos - Winery

Vinhos Cortem, Small Organic Winery Established in 2004

Vinhos Cortem Winery was established in 2004 by Christopher Price and Helga Wagner. Their operation is a small organic winery with 4.5 hectares of land in the valleys and hills, a few kilometers east to the Caldas da Rainha. The agriculture in the region is mainly fruit, but around 70 years ago, vines were planted, and there are many old wineries in the region. They produce about 15000 bottles of wine every year. The owners of Vinhos Cortem do not have much formal training in viticulture. They attended seminars, talked to winemakers, read books and the internet, and did all the work, including pruning, planting, and winemaking themselves.

Vinhos Cortem is a small organic winery with 4,5 hectares of land, creating excellent Portuguese wines.

The Grown Grape Varieties

The winery’s main aim is to produce wines that have a unique taste and flavor that reflect the qualities of their terroir. The Atlantic climate, sunshine, rainfall, and soil make the region perfect for vines’ cultivation. The late harvest gives a beautiful structure and acidity to their wines. The main types of grapes that grow in their vineyards are Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinto Cao, Jaen, Syrah, Merlot, Aragonez, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Carmenere, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The best grapes go into the production of their high-quality red and white wines.

The Fermentation and Aging Processes at the Winery

The winemakers handpick the grapes and destem and crush them before fermenting. Fermentation takes place in open 1000 liters tubs, and pressing is done in a manual press. Aging takes place for two years in stainless steel tanks, and then they impart the certification by Lisbon Wines Commission before bottling. Vinhos Cortem is a living example that great wines can be crafted with passion, attention to detail, and hard work.