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What is Carcavelos wine?

Carcavelos is a wine region near Lisbon, that has Portugal’s highest wine classification, DOC (Denominação de Origem Controlada), a similar classification to France’s AOC and Italy’s DOC.


The Carcavelos DOC is one of the smallest wine regions in Portugal, famous for its fortified wine, similar to Port. It was established as a winemaking area in the 18th century by the Marquis of Pombal, who perhaps not coincidentally, owned an extensive vineyard in the region. However, the Carcavelos region has records showing wine was produced dating back to the 15th century, there is also little doubt that it far precedes even that date. By the 17th century you could find it in auctions in England, but it was in the 18th century that it cemented itself as a staple internationally, both in England and the United States.


Unfortunately, throughout the 20th century the wine region was decimated due to the metropolitan expansion of Lisbon and only about 10 hectares of wine land remains. Recently an effort has been made to preserve and expand the vineyards by the Oeiras municipality and independent winemakers.


Luckily, we have a wine to share with you, Howard’s Folly Carcavelos 1995 is a fine example of a Carcavelos wine, with its beautiful topaz colour and complex volatile aromas of dried fruits, spices and nuts. The palate is elegant and intensely flavoured, with a long and persistent finish enhanced by lively acidity.


The main grape varieties are: Arinto, Galego Dourado, Boal, Rabo de Ovelha, João Santarém and Espadeiro Tinto.

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