Piteira

Encostas de Alqueva is a celebrated Portuguese winery located in the heart of the Alentejo region, an area known for its diverse terroirs and rich winemaking traditions. The estate's vineyards can be found along the banks of the Alqueva reservoir, where they benefit from the unique microclimate and fertile soils. Sustainability is central to Encostas de Alqueva's approach to viticulture, and the winery employs environmentally friendly practices such as water conservation, integrated pest management, and minimal intervention in the vineyard, all aimed at protecting the surrounding ecosystem and ensuring the long-term viability of its vineyards. Owner José Piteira is committed to preserving both ancient traditions and historic vineyard sites. As such, he continues to produce his namesake clay jar wines, Piteira, using primarily manual and artisanal methods. The grapes are destemmed and crushed by hand before being placed into Talha (clay jars) for spontaneous fermentation. Encostas de Alqueva's vineyards dedicated to Talha wines are planted on unique soils rich in quartz stones, allowing for excellent drainage and deep-rooting vines.. The fermentation is allowed for up to three months, involves daily rotations of the wine and lees using a rodo—a tool similar to a squeegee—resulting in highly ageable white wines with a rich body, roasted yellow to orange tone, and a complex flavor profile.