The Facts

Area: 6.8ha
Schistous soil
Established in late 1850s
Existing Vines planted in 1920 (First phase) and 1945 (Second phase)
40,000 vines planted on Stone Terraces
Density of plantation: 6,000/ha
New plantings: 4,000/ha
Top 5 Grape varieties by distribution:
1. Touriga Franca
2. Tinta Roriz
3. Touriga Nacional
4. Tinta Amarela
5. Fransisca
Altitude: Between 120m and 160m ASL
Pruning: Gobolet single cane with 2 buds
Aspect: Various, mainly north and east
Annual Rainfall: (January to December)
2002: 810mm

2003: 206mm

2004: 569mm

2005: 409mm
Average Temperature: (January to December)
2002: 21°C

2003: 22°C

2004: 20°C

2005: 21°C
Heat Summation (Degree days above 10 Degrees Celsius)
2003: 3,144

2004: 2,924

2005: 3,167
Max Temperature: +39.5°C (August 2003)
Minimum Temperature: -4°C (January 2003)

Vernacular Terms

Adega - Portuguese word for Winery

Allier - Region in central France known for its tighter grain Oak.

Douro - River and DOC region in Northern Portugal demarcated in 1756.

Gobolet - Vine training system favoured for older and low yielding vines in dry conditions. The vines are free standing and spur pruned. At Macedos we provide a single wire for foliage support to counter the strong convection winds of summer afternoons.

Lagar - Open topped treading tank in which grapes are foot trodden and fermented.

Quinta - Portuguese word for Farm. In the Douro this is synonymous with Vineyard

Rio Torto - a seasonal tributary of the river Douro flowing southeast to northwest, for 40 Kms and cutting deeply into the Douro uplands. A determining feature of our microclimate

Tinto - Portuguese for red Wine

Pinga - Portuguese term for "a drop" of wine. "Uma boa Pinga" would mean "a good wine"

Pinga do Torto - Our second Wine

Where can I buy a bottle of Quinta de Macedos? - "Aonde posso comprar uma garrafa de Quinta de Macedos" (Useful phrase to impress the locals, and shows your discerning taste!!)