Quinta dos Murças
Dating as far back as 1714, Quinta dos Murças is nestled in the Baixo-Corgo sub-region of Portugal’s Douro Valley, the world’s oldest DOC region. The estate occupies the right bank of the river, situated between the towns of Régua and Pinhão, approximately two hours east of Porto. It boasts 3.2 kilometres of river frontage, predominantly with southern exposure, and spreads across 155 hectares. Of this, 48 hectares are dedicated to vineyards planted with indigenous grape varieties.
Diversity Across the Estate: Quinta dos Murças is defined by its eight distinctive terroirs, each shaped by varying altitudes, sun exposures, diverse schist soils, and vertical vineyard plantings. The estate’s environment is further enriched by olive, orange, and almond groves, alongside surrounding forests that foster biodiversity and help maintain ecological balance.
Pioneering Vertical Vineyards: In 1947, Quinta dos Murças introduced vertical vineyard planting to the Douro region—a method now covering 82% of its steeply sloped vineyards. The estate’s team believes that vertical vineyards best express the character of their terroir due to several key factors. Increased planting density means more competition among vines, driving roots deeper into the soil and enhancing the expression of local soil characteristics. Uniform sun exposure minimises shadowing from both slope and vine, while improved aeration helps reduce disease and erosion, protecting the land’s unique qualities. The result is wine with modest alcohol levels and a refined, fresh profile.
Elegance from Unique Conditions: The vineyard’s location—straddling the cooler, wetter Baixo Corgo and the warmer Cima Corgo—imparts a rare balance to Quinta dos Murças wines. The cooler climate lends freshness and acidity, while warmer conditions deliver concentration and structure. The proximity to 3.2 kilometres of river bank and the presence of five natural springs further enhance the elegance and terroir-driven nature of the wines produced on this historic estate.