Lamego producer of Portuguese sparkling wine using the traditional method and extended cellar ageing.
The producer
Caves da Raposeira has produced sparkling wine since 1898. Raposeira selects, transports and vinifies its own grapes, with its oenologists closely supervising every stage. The second fermentation takes place in bottle by the traditional method. Humidity, light and temperature are controlled in the cellar, and natural conditions keep the wines at a constant proper temperature in the underground cellar.
Known for
Traditional method sparkling wine
Notable facts
Caves da Raposeira has produced sparkling wine since 1898.
Every stage of production is closely supervised by Raposeira's oenologists.
Peerless Bruto 2016 uses equal parts Pinot Blanc and Viosinho.
Velha Reserva Bruto 2015 combines Chardonnay and Cerceal.
The story
Riddling By Hand
Raposeira's riddling process can be mechanized, but the producer continues to turn its bottles by hand. Riddling involves repeated turning so the sediment gathers in the neck, and the work takes about four weeks to complete. The bottles pass through that process one by one inside caves holding about 10 to 12 million bottles. Manual riddling remains part of Raposeira's traditional method production, alongside second fermentation in bottle and cellar ageing. Each turn moves the sediment closer to the neck.
Riddling By Hand
Raposeira's riddling process can be mechanized, but the producer continues to turn its bottles by hand. Riddling involves repeated turning so the sediment gathers in the neck, and the work takes about four weeks to complete. The bottles pass through that process one by one inside caves holding about 10 to 12 million bottles. Manual riddling remains part of Raposeira's traditional method production, alongside second fermentation in bottle and cellar ageing. Each turn moves the sediment closer to the neck.
From the atlas
Caves da Raposeira S.A.
Caves da Raposeira is a Lamego producer of Portuguese traditional method sparkling wine with extended cellar ageing.
At A Glance
Field
Detail
Producer
Caves da Raposeira S.A.
Place
Lamego, Portugal
Style
Portuguese sparkling wine
Production history
Sparkling wine since 1898
Named bottles
Raposeira Peerless Bruto and Raposeira Velha Reserva Bruto
The Producer
Raposeira selects, transports and vinifies its own grapes. Its oenologists closely supervise every stage of production. The second fermentation takes place in bottle by the traditional or classical method. The wine becomes sparkling in the same bottle that later reaches the glass. Humidity, light and temperature are controlled in the cellar.
Raposeira's oldest underground cellar holds about 2 million bottles. The producer sells about 2.5 million bottles each year. Raposeira also riddles bottles by hand, turning them so sediment gathers in the neck.
Place
Lamego is the production base for Caves da Raposeira. Raposeira owns about 30 hectares of vineyards. Making all of its sparkling wine requires grapes from about 100 hectares, so it purchases fruit from local farmers. Production in Lamego draws on both owned vineyards and local farmers.
Wines
Peerless Bruto and Velha Reserva Bruto occupy different cellar ageing tiers.
Raposeira Peerless Bruto 2016 is made from equal parts Pinot Blanc and Viosinho. It receives at least four years in the cellar. Its bubbles are very fine and persistent. The aroma is fresh, delicate and fruity. The palate is balanced and fine, with good acidity.
Raposeira Velha Reserva Bruto 2015 combines Chardonnay and Cerceal and receives a minimum of seven years in the cellar. It is pale straw in colour, with a mature fruit aroma and a fruity, smooth, persistent palate.