Monte da Capela Curtimenta by Casa Clara

Monte da Capela Curtimenta by Casa Clara

Location: Alentejo, Portugal
Grapes: 50% Viognier and 50% Arinto.

Style: Orange / Skin-Contact White | Mediterranean | Low-Intervention

golden-amber and expressive / citrus peel, honey, dried orange stone fruit, gentle spice / juicy acidity balanced by a soft tannic grip

Winemaker(s): Casa Clara — a third-generation family estate working across two key Alentejo properties: Herdade da Capela (Moura) and Quinta de Dona Maria (Serra do Mendro). Led today by Mariana, who honours her mother Clara Roque do Vale — a pioneering force in Alentejo wine — while bringing a modern, lighter-touch approach: low intervention, lower alcohol, more freshness, and a deep focus on sustainability. The estate champions biodiversity, renewable energy and community employment, and is a certified member of the Alentejo Wines Sustainability Programme.

Winemaking: Hand-harvested local varieties; extended skin contact for colour and texture; ambient-yeast fermentation; minimal filtration and low intervention. Crafted to showcase native grapes with structure, savoury grip and Mediterranean weight.

Name Meaning: “Orange Wine” denotes the traditional technique of fermenting white grapes on their skins — giving depth, colour and gentle tannins.

Interesting Fact: Despite coming from one of Portugal’s warmest regions, this wine maintains impressive lift thanks to altitude, indigenous grapes and restrained, modern winemaking.

Serve With: Tagines, smoky mezze, roasted aubergine, chorizo stews, grilled lamb or robust vegetarian dishes.

When to drink at Christmas: When you’re using the last bit of Turkey in a curry