Sandra Alves takes over as Director of Enology at Monte das Herdades

Winemaker Sandra Alves took over as Director of Enology at Monte das Herdades to continue her journey in sustainable viticulture and to produce high-quality organic wines.

The producer of organic wines and sparkling wines also invested in innovation, bringing disruptive grape varieties to the country and unique to the Alentejo, such as Malbec and Pinot Noir, which are now also Portuguese.

Situated in a natural reserve in the Alcáçovas, Monte das Herdades is a 600-hectare property that began as a family project. Its location surrounded by a forest, the climate and its biodiversity led to the planting of 5 hectares of vineyards with a unique terroir and a garden vineyard concept, where the Malbec, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varieties are developed, particularly challenging varieties for the context. Alentejano, where the average annual temperature is high, precipitation levels are low and thermal amplitudes are high, factors opposite to the context that grape varieties such as Chardonnay or Pinot Noir seek.

How the vineyards are cared for and how the wine is produced follows the principles of organic agriculture, to promote the preservation of natural resources, biodiversity and resistance of the Monte das Herdades grape varieties. The harvest is carried out with precision and precision, starting before sunrise, so that each bunch keeps its characteristics intact.

The result is high-quality, authentic wines that stand out on the market. The focus is on exclusive, numbered and superior-quality production.

Laura Mirpuri, from LVM Holding – which owns Monte das Herdades -, highlights that “the path already traced in the production of high-quality wines, always with sustainability oenology and the values ​​of organic agriculture as a vision, led to the choice of Sandra Alves who, in addition to a notable trajectory at the national level, also has international experience that provides him with a broad and multicultural vision of oenology”.

Sandra Alves, the new winemaker at Monte das Herdades highlights that “the rigorous work already carried out in viticulture and oenology at Monte das Herdades is remarkable, and it was with great pride, enthusiasm and great expectations that I accepted this challenge, as at this Herdade there is a deep and true respect for time, the fundamental asset that allows the vineyard to grow organically and sustainably, and the wine, slowly and harmoniously, to enhance its maximum potential. I know many vineyard and wine projects and none have these characteristics: the care and rigour with which the vineyards are treated inspire us to create wines that must express the authenticity of Monte das Herdades, in addition to the opportunity to work with unique grape varieties such as Malbec, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.”

With a degree in Viticulture and Enology from UTAD – University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, and a postgraduate degree in Viticulture and Enology from the Escola Superior de Biotecnologia of the Universidade Católica do Porto, Sandra Alves has always been linked to vineyards and wine. In his professional work, he was part of different national and international projects, such as Wise Vineyards, in Australia.

She has spent 22 years at Herdade do Esporão, where he took on the role of Director of Enology and a leading role in the history of the wines produced here. After the 23rd harvest, he decides to end his journey at Esporão, to embrace the opportunity to explore new challenges and experiences, to dedicate himself to personal projects where rainfed viticulture prevails, the rehabilitation of old vineyards and the production of Talha wines with a sense of place and inspiration from ancestral methods.

Monte das Herdades wines can be purchased on the producer’s website, at El Corte Inglés Gourmet, a physical and online store, and on the websites Granvine and drink351.com, a distribution brand belonging to LVM Holding.

About LVM Holding

LVM Holding brings together a portfolio of brands that aim to create value with an approach focused on cultural, environmental and social sustainability. In addition to the Monte das Herdades brand, Laura VAR stands out, an innovative proposal in the cosmetics and skincare sector, and MIRPURI GIN, a new signature gin, created and distilled in Portugal.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok and see the exclusive content for social networks.