Grape Variety
Baga, Rufete, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca
Tasting Notes
Youthful and fresh wine with a touch of sparkle and lovely hints of red fruit
History
The Mateus brand was established in 1942 by Fernando Van Zeller Guedes, who set out to make a wine with a strong personality and unique style. The brand is most famous for its Mateus Rosé, in the iconic flask-shaped bottle. Today, the winemaking is presided over by the Bordeaux-educated Master of Oenology, Miguel Pessanha. His strong focus upon quality and consistency has contributed to the Mateus brand continuing to be the most recognised in the UK rosé category.
Regional Information
Miguel sources grapes from throughout Portugal, but the Mateus style is based primarily on the Baga grape, which is the principal variety in the Bairrada region, where the winery is situated. This region also provides the Rufete and Touriga Franca grape varieties, that add freshness and complexity to the Mateus blend due to their moderate alcoholic strength and balanced acidity.
Vinification Details
Using gentle pressing techniques, the maceration is limited and avoids the extraction of unwanted compounds from the grapes This also avoids prolonged contact between the juice and the grape skin, allowing the wine to retain freshness, whilst still gaining its distinctive pink colour. Fermentation is carried out slowly at a controlled temperature of 16ºC.
