Arvad Wines: A new vineyard with ancient history
– April 7, 2022
On a property by the Arade River, running along the riverbanks, Arvad is a winery made of history. Inaugurated in 2016, the winery rolls over 50 hectares of land, including nine hectares of vines, which are exposed to the winds from the north and the Algarve sun. “A Mediterranean climate with Atlantic influence”, the terroir consists of calcareous clay soil.
The Algarve wine culture has experienced many highs and lows. Its history dates back to early A.D. In fact, the region where Arvad is based, Lagoa, is precisely where wine was introduced into Portuguese territory. Brought from the east by Phoenician travellers who took root in the Silves area, and through the word of exchange and discovery, became a ritual and proof of civilization.
Back then, Arvad, was a word for “haven”, which appropriately named the new winery as it applies to the care and quality of their wines. This new vineyard is home to Portuguese red grape varieties such as Alicante Bouschet and Touriga Nacional, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as white grape varieties, Alvarinho, Arinto, and Sauvignon Blanc.
The grapes are picked at Arvad and are sent to a partner winery for the winemaking process, Cabrita. A well-known name for Algarve-wine lovers, Cabrita is located in the picturesque Quinta da Vinha, in Silves, and has 6.6 hectares of vineyards. The tradition of Cabrita wine dates back to 1977, when José André, a fruit merchant, acquired the farm, and it has since been passed down through the Cabrita family. “After the wine is processed, the raw product comes back to us and is then carefully aged in oak barrels or terracotta amphoras for approximately one year,” explains Arvad manager Mariana Canelas. “After the ageing process is completed, it goes back to Cabrita to be bottled.
The wine-making process is under the control of award-winning winemaker Bernardo Cabral. He explains the difference between ageing the bottles in the oak barrels compared to the terracotta amphoras: “When an oak barrel is produced, it is toasted on the inside in order for chemical reactions to take place with the wood compounds that enhance aromas and that will influence the wine. The family of these aromas is dependent on the temperature and time that the reaction takes place. In the case of Arvad, the barrels are standard size barrels at 225 litres.”
The winemaker goes on to explain that, when ageing with terracotta, “the wine acquires a discreet clay profile that is very reminiscent of the origins of the soil in which the vines are grown. Ageing tends to happen slower and more gradually, which allows the original fruit of the wine to be preserved very well”. Available to the public today is a selection of six different Arvad wines which can be purchased directly from the vineyard, or from selected distributors. The white wine has a lot of freshness. Aromatically, the fruit notes are involved in a discreet presence of the barrel, where it is partially fermented. In the mouth, it is smooth, enveloping, and with refreshing acidity. Meanwhile, the rosé is very light and fresh, with notes of fresh red fruits and light floral hints. It is smooth and has good acidity, ideal as an aperitif or accompanied by salads, seafood, or Asian food.
The red is an elegant combination of ripe red fruits and balsamic notes with subtle hints of spices and some vanilla suggestions. And finally, their most popular is the Negra Mole, which has notes of cherry and fresh raspberries delicately combined with some aromatic herbs. Each label of the Negra Mole is carefully handwritten for an authentic touch.
The winery overlooks the vines and has panoramic views of the stunning Portuguese countryside as well as the Arade River, and you can arrive at the vineyard by water or by land. The building boasts a stunning porch attached to the restaurant, which makes it the perfect setting for sunset-watching in summer.
In addition to being available for ceremonies and events, the winery also provides tours and tasting experiences. Enjoy regional delicacies and samples of each wine whilst being enlightened with local history. These experiences are available all year round from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm. The Algarve’s wine scene has taken a step up over the last few years, and Arvad seems to be one to watch.
With big plans for the future, including an Arvad Hotel and having been showcased at several wine events across Portugal in the past few years, it seems that this young, stylish vineyard is only at the beginning of its prosperous journey.
You can visit Arvad‘s website, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Text by Alex Brennan
