Herdade da Candeeira, located in the heart of Alentejo, is much more than just a piece of land; it is a deep link between the past and the present. Its history is reflected in the old vines, immortalizing the Alentejo terroir and producing wines that carry not only the taste of the land but also the soul of generations.
The estate’s winemaking heritage dates back to ancient times, with its oldest vineyard, dating back to 1938, as a testament to the continuous connection between this land and the region’s winemaking tradition. The region of Redondo, where Herdade da Candeeira is located, is rich in archaeological remains that attest to the presence of ancient cultures. One of the most emblematic landmarks of human presence in Redondo is the Candeeira Dolmen, a megalithic monument dating from 4,000 to 3,000 B.C., whose schist slabs still preserve the enigmatic “hole of the soul.” Around it, the gaze is lost in lands that have cultivated grapes and produced wines for centuries.
It is believed that the history of wine in Alentejo predates the presence of the Romans in the Iberian Peninsula. However, judging by the archaeological remains, it is certain that the Romans spread vine culture and winemaking techniques throughout the region. Alentejo, with its fertile land and warm climate, became an ideal terrain for vine cultivation. Despite its ups and downs throughout history, wine has always remained an essential part of its identity. You can read more about the history of wine in Alentejo here.
Alentejo Grapes and More
Herdade da Candeeira fits organically into the Alentejo winemaking tradition, preserving the grape varieties that are the true essence of Alentejo.
The white grape varieties impart a refreshing and enveloping quality to the estate’s wines, capturing the warm, golden light that bathes the Alentejo hills. Try the Herdade da Candeeira Superior white wine with a lovely cação (dogfish) soup or chicken with migas (Alentejo-style bread pudding); or enjoy the fresh acidity of the Herdade da Candeeira Reserva, which pairs wonderfully with a açorda de gambas (prawn bread soup) or a gilt-head bream with asparagus migas.
In the red varieties, Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Miúda take center stage. These wines reveal the depth and intensity characteristic of the region, perfect for accompanying traditional comfort and roast dishes. Try the Herdade da Candeeira Superior red wine or the Herdade da Candeeira Reserva with a classic Alentejo pork dish, a roasted kid with potatoes and rosemary, a roast lamb, or a cured sheep’s cheese.
The wines of Herdade da Candeeira have good aging potential and balance the intensity of fruit with the minerality of the Alentejo soil.
In Herdade’s portfolio, we also find wines made from non-native varieties that thrive in this unique terroir, producing true gems like the elegant Encruzado white and the robust Petit Syrah red. A perfect example of how tradition meets innovation.
The Talha Technique: A Journey Through Time
The talha (amphorae) technique, passed down through generations, is one of the greatest treasures of Alentejo and Herdade da Candeeira. By using these clay amphorae, the estate keeps alive a practice that dates back to the Roman civilization, when the amphorae were used for fermenting and preserving wine.
Take a journey back in time with the Candeeira Barro.
Sustainable Production
The viticulture of the Herdade is based on solid scientific information, with agrometeorological stations, soil humidity probes, and intelligent irrigation systems designed to save the precious resource of water. Certified by the “Sustainability Program of Alentejo Wines,” the estate contributes to the conservation of soils and the protection of local biodiversity.
A Story of the Land
Herdade da Candeeira, with its production rich in history and authenticity, is not just a winery. It is a testament to Alentejo culture, its winemaking heritage, and the hard work of generations of winemakers who keep the traditions of the region alive, while looking to the future with innovation.
Each bottle of Herdade da Candeeira wine tells the story of a land, a people, and a legacy that continues to flourish, century after century, in Alentejo.
The Herdade da Candeeira and Montaria wines, a tribute to man’s best friend, the Montaria dog, who is out in the field every day alongside the team working to ensure that at the end of the day, the best nectars are produced, are distributed by Super Grapes Wine & Spirits, Lda. and are available here.
