Certain projects seem to be predestinated, since its origin, to reach true distinction. That was what happened with Adega Mayor, inaugurated in 2007 in the Alto Alentejo plains. Its mentor, Rui Nabeiro, a mythical entrepreneur and charitable son of Campo Maior, nourished the ancient dream of rehabilitating the secular wine production in the area. The terroir asked for it and so it was done – a selected team composed by awarded professionals was called in: oenologist Rui Reguinga, responsible for the portfolio’s elaboration, and architect Siza Vieira, world- renowned, to whom the cellar’s project was entrusted, a cellar that was built from scratch.
Over twenty regional, national and international vine varieties live together in the estate giving those who manipulate them a wide range of alchemical variations that result in extraordinary wines. A tour that begins with the Caiado wines – white, red and rosé. Young wines, very gastronomical that touch the soul of the Alentejo, have been distinguished in specialty forums like Wine Master Challenge, International Wine and Spirits Competition, International Wine Challenge and Mundus Vini.
The Monte Mayor wines have also been very successful beyond borders. The Reserva Tinto, a blend of Aragonês, Touriga Nacional and Alicante Bouschet reveals a deep aroma, with blueberry, ripe plum and dark chocolate hints. Very tuned in the mouth, it exhibits polished tannins and a long and persistent aftertaste. The white combines Verdelho, Arinto and Antão Vaz to offer a clear wine, citrus yellow, fresh and exotic with white fruit hints, mineral sensation, good volume in the mouth and a very gastronomic profile. The portfolio is completed with a citrus coloured, fresh and fruity aroma with hints of nuts, persistent taste, silky and very fresh sparkling wine.
Among the varietals the Solista stands out. Elaborated with emblematic vine varieties from the property – a red with Touriga Nacional, a white with Verdelho and a rosé with Pinot Noir compose this portfolio of elegant and sophisticated wines.
The wines Reserva do Comendador with numerous awards in Portugal and abroad deserve special attention. The red, which ages for 18 months in French oak barrels and 1 year in the bottle, is garnet colored and has an intense aroma with black cherry and wild berry hints. It is full-bodied in the mouth, with ripe tannins and has a long a persistent aftertaste. The white, with intense aroma and ripe fruit (pear and peach) hints exhibits a well structured, fresh and mineral taste.
The exceptional years are celebrated with the red Pai Chão Grande Reserva. João Paulo Martins, in his guide Vinhos de Portugal, widely praises its density, the ripe fruit aroma, and the “hints of jam next to slightly floral sensations. The tasting confirms a much textured red that can almost be chewed”. It was honored with the Gold Medal in Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Mundus Vini and earned 96 points in Wine Enthusiast, among other awards.
On occasions, Adega Mayor composes limited special editions that pay homage to illustrious figures of the Portuguese culture. Among them, we have the red Siza, a tribute to the architect Siza Vieira, made with Alicante Bouschet, concentrated in the color, with fruit aromas where, according to João Paulo Martins, the “traditional hints of green olive “ particular to the vine variety are stressed out – a very elegant wine with an image that honors it.
In only one decade, Adega Mayor has shown the rare vitality of the projects that are built with love. Its exclusive and elegant portfolio, recognized by the Critic and exported to the four continents, reveals the best that Alentejo has to offer, fulfilling with distinction the ancient dream of its founder.