Sousela Vinho Verde estate known for LYS vine training and family led white wines.
The producer
Quinta de Lourosa is a Vinho Verde estate in Sousela, in the Sousa River valley, led by Viticulture Professor Rogério de Castro and his daughter and winemaker Joana de Castro. The vineyards have granitic soils, and the estate became known for pioneering the LYS vine training method, which improves sun exposure and supports sound, ripe grapes. Family members participate in everyday farm tasks. Its white wines include Alvarinho and Vinho Verde bottlings.
Known for
Vinho Verde with LYS training
Notable facts
The estate is in Sousela, in the Sousa River valley, on the Vinho Verde Route.
Quinta de Lourosa is known for pioneering the LYS vine training method.
The LYS system is intended to improve sun exposure and support sound, ripe grapes.
Rogério de Castro's wife, children, and grandchildren participate in everyday farm tasks.
The story
September Alvarinho Vertical
On 7 September 2024, Quinta de Lourosa opened its doors for the Quintas ao Sábado program promoted by the Comissão de Viticultura da Região dos Vinhos Verdes. The event included a vertical tasting of Alvarinho from 2011, 2014, 2016, 2019, and 2023. The program took place at the estate, whose heritage buildings include a 17th century chapel and 18th century farmhouse eaves. The estate provides guided visits to the vineyards and cellars, wine tastings, and tourist packs.
From the atlas
Quinta de Lourosa
A family led Vinho Verde estate in Sousela, with granitic vineyards and the LYS vine training method.
At A Glance
Field
Detail
Place
Sousela, in the Sousa River valley, on the Vinho Verde Route
Vineyard area
About 30 hectares
Defining method
LYS vine training for better sun exposure
The Producer
Viticulture Professor Rogério de Castro renewed Quinta de Lourosa in recent decades with his daughter and winemaker Joana de Castro. Joana de Castro is in charge together with her father, while his wife, children, and grandchildren participate in everyday farm tasks. Annual grape production is roughly 300,000 kilograms. The property includes a chapel from the 17th century and farmhouse eaves from the 18th century.
Quinta de Lourosa became known for pioneering the LYS vine training method. The system improves sun exposure and supports the growth of sound, ripe grapes. It also reduces the season's phytosanitary treatment requirement by two applications.
Place
At 40 kilometres from Porto, the estate sits in Sousela, in the Sousa River valley, on the Vinho Verde Route. The vineyards have granitic soils, described as somewhat more fertile than those of the Dão region.
The wine names use two forms of information: Vinho Verde is a regional designation, and Alvarinho is a grape variety.
Wines
The two named white wines are Alvarinho Quinta de Lourosa 2020 and Quinta de Lourosa Vinho Verde 2024. The first puts the Alvarinho grape on the label, while the second uses the Vinho Verde designation.
A separate 2007 Quinta de Lourosa Vinho Verde Branco was a blend of 70% Arinto and 30% Loureiro. It showed a smoky, mineral edge on the nose, with lemon and grapefruit on a bright, focused palate and some spritz.
Final Word
Quinta de Lourosa has recovered old irrigation methods and continues to experiment with alternative vine training.