DOC 1908ArintoSercial / Esgana-CãoRabo-de-Ovelha
THE CAPITAL OF ARINTO
The Bucelas Demarcated Region is recognised as the birthplace of the Arinto grape variety, and the quality of its wines has been celebrated by great authors, such as the Portuguese Eça de Queiroz and England’s William Shakespeare, who alluded to them in the play Henry VI, using the term ‘charneco’.
Bucelas is the only demarcated region dedicated exclusively to white and sparkling wines, predominantly made from the Arinto grape variety, which gives them their minerality, firm acidity and freshness. The Cercial and Rabo de Ovelha grape varieties are also permitted, albeit in well-regulated proportions. This is why Bucelas proudly bears the title of Capital of Arinto.
SPARKLING WINES AND ‘DOG’S EYES’
Bucelas is the only region in Portugal dedicated to the production of sparkling wines. The wines must be produced using the traditional method. The soils, similar to those of Champagne in France, are rich in limestone and shell fossils, known as ‘dog’s eyes’.
SHAKESPEARE’S ‘CHARNECO’
The fame of Bucelas wine dates back a long way and was immortalised by Shakespeare in his famous play about Henry VI, specifically in a scene where guests raise a toast in a tavern and one offers another a ‘glass of Charneco’, as Bucelas was known.
1908Designation of Origin
118 haVineyard Area
3Main Varieties
20Producers
