Grape Variety
Rufete, Baga, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca, Red Grape Blend
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. The brand is most famous for its Mateus Rosé in the iconic flask-shaped bottle, designed to replicate soldiers' hip flasks in World War I. Today, the wine making is looked after by Miguel Pessanha, who has a Masters in Oenology from the University of Bordeaux. His strong focus on quality wine making has contributed to the continuing sales growth for what is one of the UK's best-selling rosé.
Regional Information
Miguel sources grapes from throughout Portugal, but Mateus is based primarily on the Baga grape, which is the principal variety in Bairrada, where the winery is situated.
Vinification Details
Fermentation is carried out slowly, with no skins, in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature of 16ºC. Fining is followed by cold stabilisation, after which the wine is filtered and bottled. A blend of Baga, Rufete, Tinta Barroca and Touriga Franca, the wine wears its 15 grams of residual sugar well, as the balance with the acidity is cleverly done to give a wine that, if tasted blind, would surprise many.
