Meet the Maker - André from the Gardunha Sul Project in Beira Baixa, Portugal. 
 
Join us for our latest monthly wine tasting, where we open a range of bottles to explore a region, style or theme. We'll introduce 5 or 6 wines, taste and chat about them together. Some cheese & snacks will be provided, too. The tasting will typically take about 1.5 hours. After the tasting you're welcome to stay for more drinks & nibbles if you'd like (closing 10.30pm).
 
This month we havea special guest winemaker coming along to share his wines and story from the Beira Baixa region of central Portugal. 
 
André had been working in conventional wineries for 15 years when the Covid lockdown allowed him the time to reassess and create a winery based on the principles of the wines his grandfather used to make.   As he puts it he is "in search of the true “essence” of the grape without any kind of masks".  The project has 2 main goals:
1) Have sustainable vineyards, with organic and biodynamic principals, with minimal intervention and treatments in the cellar
2) Researching and preserving old grape varieties – to not pursue  quantity but typicity and uniqueness. 
 
Starting off in a friend's cellar, his first vintages were released from the 2020 harvest.  The grapes were sourced from organic and biodynamic vineyards in the region (though uncertified) as Beira has the highest concentration of organic vineyards in Portugal - it is pretty well embedded as the norm in agriculture here!
 
Now renting 2.5hA of vineyards full of local heritage varietals: Fonte Cal and Uva Formosa, Bastardo Espanhol, Carrega Burros, Bastardinho, Rufete, Marufo, Moscatel Tinto and Jaen.  He also continues to buy in grapes from other local growers he trust: Siria, Arinto,  Rufete, Mourisco, Bastardo, Bastado Espanhol, Castelão and Trincadeira.
 
These wines are still made in tiny quantities - so come grab a glass whilst they are available!