Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of Portugal's Douro Valley, Quinta da Pedra Alta, which translates to "high stone," reflects not just its location but also its rich history. This esteemed vineyard sits within the Cima Corgo sub-region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic mountain ranges and the majestic Douro River carving a path through its heart. Cima Corgo holds a special place in the world of wine, celebrated for producing exceptional Ports and an emerging selection of exceptional fortified wines.

Quinta da Pedra Alta's story intertwines with the legacy of the Marquis of Pombal, who demarcated the finest vineyards in the Douro Valley in the 18th century. These markers, known as "Marcos Pombalinos," were granite stones placed throughout the region. Today, Quinta da Pedra Alta holds the distinction of being the only vineyard with three of these original markers still standing on its land, a testament to its longstanding dedication to quality. This unique heritage is proudly reflected in their logo, a symbol of their deep connection to the Douro Valley's illustrious past.

What truly sets Quinta da Pedra Alta apart are its distinctive vineyards. Unlike many modern Douro vineyards planted vertically on slopes, they exclusively utilize terraced vineyards, a testament to the region's challenging terrain. Some terraces even hold just a single row of vines, accessible only by foot. This necessitates a complete reliance on skilled local workers who understand the intricacies of each vine parcel. The meticulous care and knowledge of these individuals are woven into the very fabric of Quinta da Pedra Alta's wines.

The vineyards themselves boast a remarkable diversity of altitude, ranging from 230 to 550 meters above sea level. Combined with the varying slopes and sun exposure across the different faces of the hills, this creates a unique microclimate that contributes significantly to the complexity and balance found in their wines.

Delving deeper, we encounter the characteristic schist soils of the Douro Valley, a defining element of the region's terroir. These poor soils, while challenging, force the vine roots to dig deep, often exceeding 2 meters in their search for water and nutrients. This struggle results in concentrated and intensely flavored grapes, a key ingredient in crafting exceptional wines.

Quinta da Pedra Alta's commitment extends beyond the land itself. They cultivate a blend of indigenous and traditional Douro grape varieties, such as Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, and Gouveio. These time-tested grapes are meticulously blended to create their range of still wines and Ports, each a nuanced expression of the Douro Valley's unique character.

The dedication to tradition extends to the winemaking practices employed at Quinta da Pedra Alta. One such tradition is foot treading grapes, a gentle method that has been used for centuries. This technique effectively extracts color and flavor from the grapes while avoiding the harshness that can come with mechanical harvesting. They utilize six granite lagares, large treading tanks, for this purpose. This allows for meticulous control over the extraction process, ensuring the final handcrafted product embodies the perfect balance of body, tannins, and aromas.

Quinta da Pedra Alta is more than just a vineyard; it's a living testament to the Douro Valley's rich history and a passionate commitment to expressing the unique terroir through exceptional still wines and Ports. From the legacy of the "Marcos Pombalinos" to the meticulous care given in the terraced vineyards and the time-honored foot treading techniques, every step of the winemaking process reflects a deep respect for tradition and a relentless pursuit of quality.