The Douro is the oldest demarcated and regulated region in the world, founded by the Marquis of Pombal during the reign of King José I in 1756.
Endowed with a Mediterranean climate, cold in winter and very hot in summer, its soil is made up almost entirely of schist. Its vertical cracks allow the roots to descend for many meters, which allows the vines to withstand the summer dryness by drawing on the groundwater reserves accumulated during the winter. It has great biodiversity, which is its great wealth. With a rich flora and varied orography, its vineyards have been planted and tended for hundreds of years, producing a stunning geometric landscape.
Our family has been producing wine in the Douro for over 160 years. For four generations we have been producing Port Wine at A.A.Cálem&Filho,Lda. Unfortunately, it was sold in 1997.
The family tradition continues with José Maria Cálem in the fifth generation and his son Duarte in the sixth generation.
The company's vineyards, winery and main house are located in Vilarinho de Cotas, in the municipality of Alijó.
It is five kilometres from Pinhão, considered the heart of the Douro, where it all began. Characterised mainly by small plots, the result of the division of the property over many generations, it is dominated by old vines.
Characterised mainly by small plots, the result of the division of the property over many generations, it is dominated by old vines.
Whereas in a glass of Port wine is a blend (the blend) of the old plant are dozens of varieties (in the Douro, there are 180 different inks, and the 120-white, all mixed together. Thus, making it easier to work in the evidence room, and contributing to the diversity that is the hallmark of the River.
All the grape-growing is done by hand because the narrow frame (2 m by 2.50 m) does not allow for mechanization.
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