Quinta De Curvos
Quinta de Curvos is an estate steeped in over four centuries of rich history, brimming with legends and captivating stories. It stands as one of the most enchanting estates in the region, boasting a manor house, enchanting caves, a serene lake, meticulously tended gardens, and, of course, vineyards. The period from 1600 to 1970 witnessed this estate change hands no less than ten times, each transition accompanied by its own historical tapestry and tales.
However, the winds of change swept through Quinta de Curvos in April 1974, with the Portuguese Revolution. In a time fraught with uncertainty and trepidation, the estate turned yet another chapter in its illustrious history. It found new custodians in the Fonseca family, hailing from the city of Braga. Thus, Quinta de Curvos – Sociedade Agrícola, S.A. emerged as a family-owned enterprise, founded in 1976 by two brothers, Jaime and José Fonseca.
Having spent more than a quarter-century in Angola, the brothers returned to Portugal in 1974. Eager to pursue their passion for the world of wine, they embarked on a journey that led to the acquisition of the Quinta de Curvos estate.
Situated in a valley gently caressed by the influence of the Neiva River, within the Demarcated Region of Vinho Verde, the vineyards of Quinta de Curvos are distinctly marked by their Atlantic proximity. They thrive on granite soils, bask in generous sunlight, and bear the imprint of Atlantic breezes. These factors collectively contribute to the unique character of the wines crafted at the estate.
Quinta de Curvos boasts 70 acres of meticulously tended vineyards, spread across four distinct properties located in Forjães, Ponte de Lima, and Barcelos. With the Loureiro, Avesso, Sauvignon Blanc, Alvarinho, Trajadura, Arinto, Vinhao and Espadeiro grape varieties. The variegated offerings of Vinho Verde produced at Quinta de Curvos are a harmonious medley of aromas, resulting in wines renowned for their quality—refreshing, fruity, and impeccably balanced. This excellence emerges from the scrupulous selection of grape varieties and vigilant oversight throughout the winemaking process.
As a family-owned business, Quinta de Curvos is underpinned by a steadfast commitment to values of excellence, tradition, and innovation, all while maintaining unwavering respect for the environment and an enduring passion for wine. Environmental stewardship is not just a mindset but a practical ethos at Quinta de Curvos, underscored by a strong emphasis on sustaining the vineyard's biodiversity. Agricultural practices adhere to a comprehensive plan of integrated protection, preserving the equilibrium of the agricultural ecosystems. During the vineyards' rest periods, tractors and herbicides yield to a more environmentally friendly alternative: sheep, minimizing the ecological footprint.
Since the Fonseca family's acquisition in 1974, Quinta de Curvos has undergone remarkable transformations. Yet, to this day, it remains a 100% family-operated enterprise, with the second generation passionately dedicated to continuing its legacy and an enduring passion for wine
Quinta de Curvos stands not only as a repository of centuries-old history but also as a testament to unwavering commitment and familial devotion.
Miguel Fonseca - Winemaker
As the visionary behind the wines of Quinta de Curvos, Miguel Fonseca crafts distinctive and acclaimed expressions of the Vinho Verde region. Quinta de Curvos, a family-owned estate since 1976 with a history stretching back over four centuries, is renowned for producing wines that capture the freshness, crispness, and aromatic complexity of the Minho region.
Miguel Fonseca is dedicated to showcasing the potential of indigenous Portuguese grapes within the Vinho Verde appellation, particularly the highly aromatic Loureiro. His focus is on producing elegant, refreshing, and crisp wines that truly express the region's character, exemplified by his Loureiro-based creations that exhibit classic lime and passion fruit flavors.
Under his guidance, Quinta de Curvos has gained significant recognition, consistently producing wines with fine crispness, structure, and complexity, including award-winning single-varietal bottlings of Alvarinho and Avesso. While running the estate, Miguel oversees the production of Vinho Verde wines that are both traditional—with a focus on dry, gastronomic styles—and innovative, maintaining the winery's commitment to quality and unique expression.
Through his leadership, Quinta de Curvos continues its legacy of blending historical vineyard stewardship with modern winemaking precision, positioning itself as a leading producer of fine Portuguese white wines.
