Exploring Alentejo: Eight Sustainable Wines from Portugal’s Rustic Gem

By | 21 October 2025

The Alentejo region of southern Portugal is renowned for its significant wine production, boasting 23,000 hectares of vineyards within a diverse landscape of 2.3 million hectares that also includes vast wheat fields and cork oak forests. This region is characterized by its commitment to sustainability, exemplified through a well-structured sustainability scheme known as WASP (Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Programme).

In October 2025, a one-day conference showcased eight wines from Alentejo that embody this focus on sustainability:

  1. Rocim Ohlo do Mocho Branco 2024

    • Alcohol: 12%
    • Description: This single vineyard Antão Vaz exhibits bright acidity, crystalline citrus, and hints of pear and peach. Aged in a mix of concrete and oak, it offers a precise, zippy profile with a slight saltiness on the finish.
    • Rating: 94/100
  2. Malhadinha Branco 2023

    • Alcohol: 13.5%
    • Description: A blend of Arinto, Alvarinho, Viosinho, Viognier, and Chardonnay, this wine possesses lovely vitality and a great balance combining richness and precision.
    • Rating: 93/100
  3. Esporão Branco Reserva 2023

    • Alcohol: 14%
    • Description: Organically farmed, this wine blends Antão Vaz, Arinto, and Roupeiro, resulting in a lively, fruity experience with intense lemon and pear flavors complemented by well-integrated oak.
    • Rating: 92/100
  4. Fundação Eugénio de Almeida Cartuxa Branco Colheita 2023

    • Description: Aged in stainless steel, this Antão Vaz, Arinto, and Roupeiro blend is focused and powerful with depth showing pear and melon richness.
    • Rating: 92/100
  5. António Maçanita Fita Preta Os Paulistas Chão dos Eremitas 2021

    • Alcohol: 14%
    • Description: A homage to traditional Alentejo blends, this wine showcases complex cherry and berry fruits with a spicy elegance. Long maceration in used French oak offers a layered complexity.
    • Rating: 95/100
  6. Herdade do Grous Tinto Reserva 2023

    • Alcohol: 13.5%
    • Description: This blend of Alicante Bouschet, Tinta Miúda, and Touriga Nacional delivers fresh, elegant black cherry fruit with a textural finish and moderate tannic grip.
    • Rating: 94/100
  7. Mouchão Tinto 2017

    • Alcohol: 14.5%
    • Description: Predominantly Alicante Bouschet, this wine is rich and layered with a spicy complexity that evolves beautifully, reinforced by a juicy finish.
    • Rating: 94/100
  8. José de Sousa Puro Talha 2015

    • Description: This wine, produced using traditional talha methods, blends Grand Noir, Trincadeira, Moreto, and Aragonez. Characterized by earthy herbs and a strongly savory profile, it stands out in its structure and gastronomic appeal.
    • Rating: 93/100

The Alentejo’s diverse wines not only showcase its winemaking capabilities but also reflect a significant commitment to sustainable practices that position the region as a leader in mindful viticulture.

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