rating B+

standout old classic estate 100km north of Lisbon

about the Quinta do Castal Branco estate was founded in 1775, a classic, tiled large house in the middle of the property in the Tejo region , north of Lisbon. 130ha of the 1,100ha property is planted to vines, the first vintage in 1817. A range of wines is made, including sparkling under the “Monge” label.

wines tasted

Monge Método Classico Brut 2023 (€18)

Made from 15-year-old vines, this sparkling wine is quite unusual as it’s 100% Castelão, the most planted variety in Portugal as it’s extremely adaptable to Portugal’s varied climated. Reds and rosés are made from the variety, from deep to pale coloured. Here’s an example of it in sparkling form and it’s quite lovely: fresh, fruity, dry, with a toasty texture.

website https://www.casalbranco.com/pt

email info@casalbranco.com

phone +351 243 592 412

address Estrada Nacional Nº 118, Almeirim