Visit Casas Altas-José Madeira Afonso winery

Wines have the denomination of origin DOC Beira Interior.

HISTORY OF THE WINERY

Born in Coimbra, he was baptized a month later in Souropires. Although he grew up in Coimbra, he spent his summers in Souropires. His parents, both originally from Beira Alta (Sabugal and Souropires), had five children, and he was the eldest and the only one who developed a special attachment to Souropires. There was always a stronger bond with Souropires, where his maternal grandmother lived in a family home believed to have been rebuilt in the mid-19th century after the French invasions. His grandchildren represent at least the eighth generation to live in that same house.

He studied at the School of Agricultural Supervisors (in Coimbra and Santarém), as well as Medicine (in Coimbra and Lisbon). He lived and practiced medicine in Norway for two and a half years, and it was in Scandinavia where his interest in the world of wine was awakened—mainly influenced by Swedish friends.

When his father inherited the first vineyards, he and his brother João felt it would be a shame to grow grapes with care and dedication only to deliver them to the cooperative. So, in 1994, he produced his first red wine, made from grapes grown in newly planted vineyards and old vines located in Mortórios. The result was a light red (clarete), fresh and not particularly easy to drink, but which still holds up well to this day. At the time, the wine was sold under the brand name "Rogenda."

Today, he remains committed to respectful viticulture and to producing wine with minimal intervention.

TERROIR

The landscape of Beira Interior is dramatic and sparsely populated, with a demanding climate, granite soils, and high altitudes. Temperature fluctuations are intense, with sub-zero winters and very hot, dry summers. Our plots are located in the sub-region of Pinhel, and our wines carry the DOC Beira Interior designation. From the grapes of this terroir, I aim to create wines that truly express the best of the region. That’s why I prioritize native grape varieties such as Fonte Cal, Siria, Rufete, Baga, Touriga Nacional, among others, as they are best adapted to the region’s characteristics. However, this terroir has also allowed me to creatively explore the adaptation of other, sometimes international, varieties. Grapes like Chardonnay and Riesling have proven to be surprising, revealing a unique expression when grown in this one-of-a-kind terroir.