At Marmelão Winery, winemaking is as much a celebration of heritage as it is an artisanal craft. In the scenic heights of Douro Valley, Marmelão employs the centuries-old technique of grape stomping in stone “lagares” to produce unique, low-intervention wines. With a focus on small-batch production, these wines embody the essence of Douro’s high-altitude terroir and a commitment to sustainable, natural winemaking.
The Art of Stomping in the Stone Lagar
Using a lagar—a wide, shallow stone tank made from local granite—is a cherished tradition at Marmelão. After harvest, grapes are laid in the lagar, where they undergo the manual process of foot-treading. This practice, done by family and friends, ensures a gentle extraction of color and flavor, essential to the winery’s light red wines. Unlike mechanical processes, foot-treading preserves the grapes’ integrity, allowing the skins to release rich pigments without crushing seeds or releasing bitter compounds.
Wines from Altitude: The Flavor of the Douro Heights
Marmelão’s vineyards, perched at higher altitudes in Douro Valley, bring a distinctive character to their wines. The cooler temperatures and rugged terrain at these elevations create grapes with a balanced acidity, refined aromatics, and a freshness that shines through in the final product. These high-altitude wines have a vibrant quality, with light red hues and nuanced flavors that capture the unique climate and soil composition of Douro’s upper reaches.
Low-Intervention and Small-Batch Production
At Marmelão, the philosophy of low-intervention winemaking means letting nature guide the process. Fermentation in the lagar occurs naturally, with minimal additives, preserving the authenticity of the wine. The family’s small-scale production allows them to focus on quality, ensuring that each vintage reflects the land’s natural character. These wines are crafted by hand, with an emphasis on purity and balance, letting the unique terroir and traditional methods speak for themselves.
Light Reds with Depth and Elegance
The combination of high-altitude grapes, natural fermentation, and the gentle extraction of the stone lagar results in light reds that are elegant and expressive. These wines have a beautiful clarity, both in color and flavor, with delicate fruit notes, hints of mineral undertones, and a vibrant freshness that sets them apart. Each bottle from Marmelão is a tribute to the Douro Valley’s natural beauty and the family’s dedication to authentic, artisanal winemaking.
Marmelão’s Invitation to Experience the Tradition
As Marmelão opens its doors in 2025, visitors will have the chance to immerse themselves in this time-honored tradition. From participating in the grape-stomping process to tasting wines crafted with care and minimal intervention, guests can experience Douro winemaking in its most authentic form. At Marmelão, every glass is a reflection of heritage, altitude, and a family’s dedication to keeping traditions alive in the heart of Douro Valley.