An exceptional terroir
The Tapada do Falcão estate is situated within the Portalegre DOC wine region on the slopes of the Serra de São Mamede in the Alto Alentejo.
The vineyard of nearly 7 hectares (15 acres) was planted in early 2000 with five different red grape varieties: Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet, Syrah, Touriga Nacional and Aragonez. It gained DOC status in 2011.
The slopes are steep and can only be cultivated with a caterpillar tractor, and many vineyard operations including picking and pruning are carried out by hand.
The schistous terrain and steep conditions mean that yields are relatively low. This combined with the altitude and northerly aspect means that the wines are more refined than those from the hot plains of the Alentejo.
From 2008-2012 we produced a full bodied red wine called Rocha Rosa. The wines were vinified and matured in stainless steel vats before being given a moderate amount of oak ageing.
Since 2015 the vineyard has been managed by Howard’s Folly, a recently converted state-of-the art winery based in Estremoz.
It is the main supplier of grapes for the Howard’s Folly red wine brands. Winery tours and tastings can be arranged.
