ABOUT THE PRODUCER: Casal de Ventozela
Casal de Ventozela is a family business created in 1983 and dedicated to producing Vinho Verde wine. The 45 hectares of vineyards are situated in the sub-region Vale do Ave, in the heart of the Portuguese Vinho Verde region. They are spread over various estates and land plots, across gentle slopes and granitic soils, with altitudes between 100 and 200 meters. The plots are planted with varieties indigenous to the region: Loureiro, Trajadura, Fernão Pires and Arinto (Pedernã), Padeiro de Basto, Espadeiro and Vinhão (for red wine). The climate is influenced by the sea breeze coming from the Atlantic Ocean and the wines produced are pleasantly light and fresh.
Farming/vinification practices: In 2017, Ventozela obtained the certification of Integrated Production for their vineyards and wines. Integrated production refers to a sustainable farming system that produces high quality food and other products by using natural resources and regulating mechanisms to replace polluting inputs. Emphasis is placed on a systems approach involving the entire vineyard as the basic unit, on the central role of agro-ecosystems, on balanced nutrient cycles, and on the welfare of all species in animal husbandry. The preservation and improvement of soil fertility and of a diversified environment are essential components. Biological, technical and chemical methods are tuned to take into account the protection of the environment, profitability and social requirements.
No chemicals are used by Ventozela. Everything is hand-harvested, by a team of about 30 people, usually starting around September 20th. The wines are vegan – fined with bentonite.
