Encosta da Quinta Humus Rosé 2022

Encosta da Quinta is a family-owned winery located in Alvorninga, within the Óbidos demarcated region of Portugal's Lisboa wine area. The estate sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Serra dos Candeeiros mountains, approximately one hour north of Lisbon and 20 kilometers from the coast. This positioning creates a cool microclimate influenced by sea breezes and high humidity, which helps maintain natural acidity in the grapes.

Rodrigo Filipe manages the property, which he took over from his father in the early 2000s. His father planted the first vineyard parcels during the 1990s, while his grandfather previously focused on polyculture farming, a common practice in the 1960s. The estate now dedicates its agricultural efforts entirely to viticulture, with nine hectares of vines planted on red clay and limestone slopes.

Rodrigo Filipe came to winemaking from an engineering background without formal oenological training. He developed his winemaking knowledge through his father's wine books, attending courses and workshops, and practical experience in the vineyards and cellar. The estate received organic certification in 2006 and maintains these practices across all vineyard operations.

Encosta da Quinta produces wines under the Humus label, focusing on natural winemaking methods with Portuguese native grape varieties including Touriga Nacional, Arinto, Fernão Pires, and Castelão. The winery's approach involves spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts and no additions during winemaking, including no added sulfites at bottling. This places Rodrigo among a small group of Portuguese winemakers working without sulfur additions.

The estate's remote location allows chemical-free farming practices and encourages biodiversity within the vineyards. Grasses grow freely between vine rows, contributing to the ecosystem. The cool microclimate results in wines with moderate alcohol levels, typically ranging from 11-12% ABV. Production includes still red and rosé wines, as well as pétillant-naturel sparkling wines, all bottled without fining or filtration to preserve their natural character.

The Lisboa wine region, formerly known as Estremadura, is located on Portugal's western coast, stretching from north of Lisbon to the central coastal area. The region covers approximately 8,000 hectares of vineyards and ranks among Portugal's most productive wine areas. Lisboa holds the designation Vinho Regional de Lisboa, allowing winemakers flexibility in grape varieties and winemaking styles compared to stricter DOC regulations.

The region divides into nine DOC sub-regions, including Óbidos, Alenquer, Arruda, Torres Vedras, Lourinhã, Bucelas, Carcavelos, Colares, and Encostas d'Aire. Each sub-region features distinct microclimates and soil compositions. Óbidos, where Encosta da Quinta operates, lies in the northern part of the Lisboa region, characterized by clay and limestone soils with maritime influence from the nearby Atlantic Ocean.

Lisboa's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean creates a temperate maritime climate with moderate temperatures year-round. Coastal vineyards experience cooling sea breezes and higher humidity levels, which help preserve natural acidity in grapes and reduce disease pressure. The region receives adequate rainfall, primarily during winter months, while summers remain warm and dry. This climate allows cultivation of both international and Portuguese native grape varieties.

Traditional Portuguese varieties grown in Lisboa include Arinto, Fernão Pires, Vital, Seara Nova for white wines, and Castelão, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Miúda, and Ramisco for reds. International varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah also appear in regional production. The diversity of terroirs and permitted varieties results in a wide range of wine styles, from light, fresh whites to structured reds and traditional fortified wines.

The Lisboa region has experienced growth in natural and organic wine production over recent decades. Winemakers increasingly focus on expressing terroir through minimal intervention techniques, lower yields, and sustainable farming practices. The region's proximity to Lisbon provides market access while maintaining relatively affordable land prices compared to more established Portuguese wine regions like the Douro or Dão. This combination attracts both established producers and new winemaking projects focused on quality-driven, terroir-specific wines.