Alentejo - Dona Maria - Julio Bastos

Closely at the town of Estremoz we find one of the most special domains of the Alentejo: Dona Maria. One of the most beautiful old mansions in the area, a building dating back to 1712. At that time a gift from King João V to one of his ladies-in-waiting, Dona Maria, a woman he was hopelessly in love with. This lady became the name giver of this special country house.

Wine has been produced in this domain for more than 150 years. The current owner, Júlio Bastos, started in 1988 to market nationally and internationally the wines subsequently produced at this Quinta, the famous Garrafeiras of 1985, 1986 and 1987, which have always been recognized for their great quality

In 1992, Júlio Bastos sold 50% of Agrícola Quinta do Carmo, with the aim of securing growth while ensuring production flow to “Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)”. It was at that time that the old cellar was transferred from Quinta de Dona Maria or Quinta do Carmo to Herdade das Carvalhas, With the proceeds he improved the distribution and further growth of his winery. But the idea to really make his own wine at the Quinta did not let him go. He was able to make his dream come true when, at the beginning of the new millennium, he decided to sell his last share and start his new project, Dona Maria wines.

The beautiful old domain was then restored to its former glory, expanded and equipped with the latest winemaking technology, although the old and famous "lagares", where the best grapes were trampled, have been preserved. In addition, in 2002 he bought a beautiful old vineyard of over 40 years old, right next to a newly planted vineyard.

The first grapes were harvested in 2003. The beginning of a new successful period, with finally again beautiful quality wines under the old name of the domain, Dona Maria.

In addition to cork, the estate mainly produced livestock and a little olives for about 150 years. In 2000, Philip Mollet, the current owner and manager, revolutionized the farm's strategy and decided to create a vineyard. The chosen Syrah grape turned out to be an outstanding success in the form of the internationally acclaimed Cem Reis wine. Later, a delicious selection of red, white and rosés is the result of the planting of Alicante Bouschet, Aragonêz and Touriga Nacional

The estate is located in a picturesque and historic part of the Alentejo, ideal for relaxing. This is the perfect environment for walking in peace and discovering the wonderful world of cork ... or for bird watching ... or for stargazing. You can enjoy the usual seasonal activities on the farm throughout: cork oaks are gutted by hand (May / June), grape harvest, sheep shearing, olives picking. In autumn and winter, black pigs from Spain (from which the bellota hams are made) roam free on the farm and feed on the acorn

Since the beginning of this project, Dona Maria wines have been widely recognized not only by the general public, but also by opinion leaders both national and international.

Júlio Bastos, received the 2009 Producer of the Year award by the prestigious Revista de Vinhos magazine, as well as several awards for excellence.

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