Location: Albernôa, Alentejo
Website address: http://www.malhadinhanova.pt/
Sometime in the late 1990’s a “star†in the sky led brothers João and Paulo Soares to an idyllic 200 Ha farm
near Beja, which they then set about buying and redeveloping. Remember this is the forgotten depopulated southern Alentejo, once the grain store of Portugal. Endless rolling
plains interspersed with Olive groves and Ilex oak, where sheep, Pata Negra pigs and cattle roaming typify this bucolic harmony.
The old house on the property was converted into the family’s home, and the outbuildings returned to their former glory with winery and stables, always
respecting the traditional architecture and building materials of the region.
In 1998 the first 20 Ha of vines were planted with red varieties Aragonês, Trincadeira, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet, as well as some white grapes Arinto and
Antão Vaz and SÃria. This was overseen by consultant winemaker LuÃs Duarte. Their first full harvest was in 2003 and
they’ve never looked back since, except to proudly admire their efforts.
The wine styles are contemporary and innovative. The wines have won critical acclaim in Portugal and abroad. The original designs of the labels derive from
João’s children’s scrapbook doodlings, featuring the flowers and bugs they discover when
“exploring†the farm, make this whole project a very family affair!
The second label, Monte da Peceguina Tinto provides cultured drinkabilty from traditional varieties, the Branco a classy unoaked yet weighty wine based on Arinto and
Antão Vaz.
The Malhadinha Nova Tinto is the special cuvée from this vineyard where Alicante is a major component, giving a powerful rich and spicy wine with toasty oak and
fine tannins.
For older vintage information please contact us or consult the producer’s website
Monte da Peceguina Branco
Current Vintage: 2010
Warm biscuity hints with greengage flavours. Good acidity and stylish finish.
Link: PDF
Monte da Peceguina Tinto
Current Vintage: 2010
This is the second wine of the estate and is a blend of Aragonêz, Alicante,Touriga and a smattering of Syrah. Part of the blend aged in new french oak barriques
for 6 months. It shows ripe red and black fruit flavours, with hints of all-spice, dark chocolate and dried herbs. The tannins are sweet and ripe with an elegant firmness,
making the finish long and quite concentrated.
Drinking now but develop well for up to 6 years in bottle.
Link: PDF
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova Tinto
Current Vintage: 2008/09
This is the top wine from the estate. Blended from selected parcels of mainly Alicante and Aragonês topped up with some Syrah and Touriga. Aged for 14 months in
new French oak barriques and bottle unfiltered.
It is a full, dark and intense wine with a big yet elegant structure. Lush black fruit nose with hints of oak and spice. Concentrated on the palate, yet approachable and with
fantastic length and freshness on the finish.
"The 2009 Tinto, the winery's flagship estate offering, is probably the best wine yet produced here, although the 2007 and 2008 were no slouches. I do think this will beat
them and it still has room to improve. Gorgeous fruit bursts to the fore, delivering persistent flavour. But that's not all that this has. Concentrated and beautifully
structured, it is primary and involved, with many good things likely to happen in the future. Lush but focused, bursting with flavour, yet balanced, this is a beautiful
performance...." Mark Squires, erobertparker, January 2012. 93/100.
Link to: PDF
