The art and passion behind the wines of Quinta San Michel
Joaquim Camilo, producer of Quinta San Michel wines
It is overlooking the Serra de Sintra that we find the wines of Quinta San Michel. Between the mist of the mountains and the dew on the plants, some of the region's most authentic wines are born here. The juice extracted from the grapes rests in the barrels to enhance the flavor of the wines which, when drunk, leave anyone with a real and lasting impression of the place and time in which they were produced.
In the tasting rooms, set in the rural and natural surroundings of the estate, everyone is enveloped in an immersive setting, with history, but above all, honesty. The cork shelves and wooden table bring the tranquillity that the wine itself prolongs. It's the intensity of the flavor, but it's also the environment overlooking the mountains and the pure air that helps in its production. These are the memories that, along with the taste, stay with the people who pass through.
From Malvasia to Arinto, or even Malvarinto de Janas, here are long vintages that please Greeks and Trojans, including the most refined customers.
Each with its own specificities, but all with the authenticity that defines them so well.
The incomparable Colares White Wine is produced from the Malvasia white grape variety, typical of the region. This wine enchants with its aromatic complexity and salty touch that conquers any palate. With a straw yellow color, this wine turns into a golden straw as it ages. It has an authentic, fruity aroma with an intriguing complexity of moderate intensity. Its taste is slightly acidic, persistent and with a breathtaking finish.
One of the most valuable grape varieties, Arinto, is considered a pioneer in Portugal. It delights any palate, revealing citrus notes in its younger state, with a mineral touch and moderate intensity. As it grows, its flavor develops into an aroma of honey and kerosene. They are captivating and invaluable wines, providing a unique experience for wine lovers.
Malvarinto de Janas, on the other hand, is an exclusive blend also produced overlooking the Serra de Sintra. It comes from a blend of the Malvasia and Arinto grape varieties, which makes this wine aromatically complex, as Malvasia is acidic like Arinto, giving rise to a truly unique wine with very specific characteristics that bring out the best of both worlds.
What's so special about these wines?
Box where Quinta San Michel wines are sold
The sun exposure from which the vines benefit allows the wines to mature more slowly and for longer, giving them an authentic Made in Sintra flavor. It is the region's microclimate that helps create unique conditions for producing wines with the texture, complexity and balance that favor these wines full of freshness and fragrant aromas.
"Névoa de Janas is a special wine. 700 bottles of wine are produced from 2 barrels"
The truth is that the quality of the grapes and the climate are not enough for good production. But that's not a problem either, as the rule here is passion for the art of winemaking and constant innovation. Joaquim Camilo, producer of the wines at Quinta San Michel, says that it is with love and dedication to the grapes, the vineyards and the process in general that good wine is produced. This is the only way to achieve awards such as the Best Wine of the Year Award, which they won in 2022, showing that it is the flavors, the smells and, above all, the passion for the process that make up the quality of the products.
Along with passion, you need to be aware of all the latest developments in the area and try to provide the best conditions for the raw material to become a good wine. And here you don't just try, you succeed. You achieve this by constantly seeking out new and sophisticated production techniques, as well as by using equipment that is properly prepared for making wines, capable of improving their quality while maintaining the authenticity that characterizes them.
There are barrels made with specific woods for each wine
Pipa where Quinta de San Michel wines are reserved
It's not enough to "buy American oak", which is typically used in wine production. It makes all the difference to understand which wood most closely matches the characteristics of the wine being produced. It's in these small details that the difference lies, and you can feel it with every sip of wine you take here.
Not wanting to lose the essence of his wines, Joaquim Camilo realized that he could access the most innovative barrels designed specifically for each type of wine.
From a country where wine is also part of tradition, a team of French technicians has arrived to study ways of improving the resting of wine. Thinking of oak wood with the ideal conditions for storing these wines was a novelty that is now a reality. It's the difference between a good wine and an excellent one.
Wine producers, and even the most experienced wine lovers, know that the best solution is not always the most widely used. There are different types of oak wood that can be very aggressive and thus worsen the quality of the wine. You have to test them and produce the wine under the best possible conditions. After all, these are wines from the Sintra region, distinctive in terms of quality.
The art of production
Quinta San Michel vineyard where Made in Sintra wines are produced
At Quinta San Michel, wine production is a true art form. Through innovative and carefully executed techniques, unique wines are created here that capture the essence of the Sintra region. Each bottle tells a story of tradition, love for the land and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Dedication to quality and detail is what defines Quinta San Michel's wine production. From the careful treatment of the grapes and leaves to the long stages of production, everything is done with the aim of extracting the best flavor from each grape variety.
The vineyards of this quinta are home to several varieties, each with unique and distinct characteristics. From the arinto leaf, which is larger and more velvety, to the rare malvasia leaf, found only in the Colares region, each vine has its part to play in creating top quality wines. Attention to detail and respect for nature are key to ensuring that each harvest is exceptional.
But the real secret behind the wines of Quinta San Michel lies in the long stages of production and the care taken during ageing.
After fermentation, the wines rest for two years at an ideal temperature of 16ºC, allowing them to develop their full potential. During this period, magic happens, revealing the unique character of each wine.
In this meticulous process, the estate's six or so employees play an essential role. From sales managers to specialist oenologists, each member of the team contributes their experience and passion for wine. Each bottle is the result of a dedicated team, committed to creating wines that transcend time and taste.
There's no denying that wine production at Quinta San Michel is a true expression of love for the Sintra region. Every drop in the glasses is a tribute to the local history and landscape.
Find out more about Quinta San Michel wines here
