DOC 1911ArintoSercial / Esgana-CãoRabo-de-Ovelha
THE CAPITAL OF ARINTO
The Bucelas Demarcated Region is recognised as the birthplace of the Arinto grape variety, and great authors such as the Portuguese Eça de Queiroz and England’s William Shakespeare have celebrated its wines, with Shakespeare alluding to them in the play Henry VI using the term ‘charneco’.
Bucelas is one of the most exclusive demarcated regions dedicated to the production of white and sparkling wines, predominantly made from the Arinto variety. Arinto gives them their minerality, firm acidity, and freshness. The Sercial 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 an exclusive demarcated region dedicated to the production of white and sparkling wines, predominantly made from the Arinto variety. 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’.
FROM 'BUCELLAS' TO THE WORLD
Winegrowing in Bucelas dates back to Roman times, when the hills north of `Bucellas` supplied Olisipo (Lisbon's name in Roman times) and the he caravels of the Age of Discoveries. Over the centuries, the reputation of these white wines - characterised by a firm acidity and capable of ageing well - reached the English court under the names "Bucellas" or "Charneco".
1911Designation of Origin
118 haVineyard Area
3Main Varieties
20Producers
