Family estate near Tomar with four wine ranges, traditional stone presses and a Castelão led 2022 Colheita Tinto.
The producer
Near Tomar in the Tejo, Quinta Casal Das Freiras has belonged to one family since 1882. José Castro Vidal is the fourth family generation to lead the property, with Rita Vidal and Ricardo Maia Gonçalves helping manage its current work. The portfolio is divided into Colheita, Reserva, Varietais and Castelão. The cellars retain original stone presses and continue to use Algerian cement amphorae. The 2022 Colheita Tinto combines Castelão, Touriga Nacional and Aragonez.
Known for
Castelão led Tejo blends
Notable facts
The property has belonged to the same family since 1882.
José Castro Vidal moved to the estate in 1973 at age 24 and is the fourth family generation to lead it.
The estate began producing wine in greater commercial quantities for sale in 1990 and received the IVV award “O Melhor Vinho na Produção” in 1991.
The older red wine cellar preserves its original stone presses and continues to use Algerian cement amphorae.
The story
When Manuel Went South
In 1882, Manuel Valente d’Almeida, an Ovar merchant, travelled south after phylloxera reached the Douro. He had been obtaining products there for his trade, but the disease sent him elsewhere in search of other goods. Among the properties he acquired was Casal das Freiras, and he directed its cultivation. The property has belonged to the same family ever since. It stands near Tomar on land formerly associated with the Order of Christ, linking the commercial journey to the estate that remains today.
From the atlas
Quinta Casal Das Freiras
Family estate near Tomar in the Tejo, with four wine ranges, traditional stone presses and a 2022 Colheita Tinto built from Castelão, Touriga Nacional and Aragonez.
At A Glance
Field
Detail
Region
Tejo, central Portugal
Location
Seven kilometres southwest of Tomar
Main grapes
Castelão, Touriga Nacional and Aragonez
Signature wine
Casal das Freiras Colheita Tinto, 2022
Defining feature
Original stone presses and Algerian cement amphorae
The Producer
The property has belonged to one family since 1882. José Castro Vidal is the fourth family generation to lead Quinta Casal Das Freiras, with Rita Vidal and Ricardo Maia Gonçalves now helping manage the estate. José oversees viticulture, the winery and general agriculture. Rita leads commercial work and wine tourism, while Ricardo manages the winery, oenology and international trade.
Place
The vineyards lie seven kilometres southwest of Tomar in the Tejo, on gently rolling ground with southern exposure. The Serra d’Aire shelters the estate to the west. Cold winters and dry, hot summers support grape ripening in this part of central Portugal.
Wines
The portfolio is organized into four ranges: Colheita, Reserva, Varietais and Castelão. Named wines include Casal das Freiras Colheita Tinto, Colheita Branco, Syrah and Reserva Branco.
The 2022 Casal das Freiras Colheita Tinto is a blend of 40% Castelão, 30% Touriga Nacional and 30% Aragonez. The Colheita Tinto profile brings red fruit aromas, firm tannins and balanced acidity.
Final Word
Quinta Casal Das Freiras joins a family history dating to 1882 with Tejo vineyards, separate red and white cellars, original stone presses and Algerian cement amphorae.