COLARES VINES AND WINES
An A.O.C. Region since the beginning of the 20th century
COLARES AND ITS WINES
Apart from the very specific microclimate that shapes them, these wines are made with grapes from local vine varieties, which are produced only here. Colares red wine is to this date made at the cooperative winery according to traditional techniques. It is made from up to 80% 'Ramisco' variety and 20% other red varieties. This wine seldom is more than 11,5% alcohol. As a young wine, it is light-grenadine colour and bitter. |
After ageing (6-8 years) both in wood and bottle, its colour changes into brownish or "onion peel" tawny. In order to show in full its aromatic complexity, reminding of pine-seeds and some red-fruits, this wine should be handled carefully, opening the bottle some time before tasting and bringing it to a temperature of 18°C. The yield is very low, totalling about 20 000 bottles per year.
As for Colares white wine, the main grape variety is "Malvasia de Colares" (Colares Malmsey), resulting in light-greenish-yellow colour wines, with fruity and floral aroma and balanced acidity. It should be served chilled. It is even scarcer than red wine, yielding 15 000 bottles per year.
The Colares cooperative winery is one of the few places where the genuine Colares wines can be purchased.
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