"In the Alentejo, we find a private paradise where, with all the care, unique wines are born; the Herdade do Arrepiado Velho. "

Sousel, located about 40 kilometres from Portalegre, in the Alto Alentejo, has witnessed the rebirth of a long abandoned place. The 19th century property was built in accordance with the traditional architecture of the region, beautifully preserved, with spaces of rare beauty. You can feel the passion in every corner, in every detail, both in the house and the surrounding space. The Herdade do Arrepiado Velho was purchased in 2001 by the Antunes family, who then began an ambitious project: to make the Arrepiado Velho an asset and a reference of excellence in the Alentejo.

The Herdade took shape, there was an investment in quality, and the wines produced there do not go unnoticed - beautiful image and the best organoleptic sensations. With a total area of about 100 hectares, the dam stands out amidst vineyards and olive groves, in a mix of colour and calm that only the Alentejo can offer. The combination of these characteristics makes Herdade do Arrepiado Velho part of the São Mamede Route - one of the three paths of the Alentejo Wine Route.

In 2002, the 33 hectares of vines were planted in a terroir that combines, in a rare mix, schistose soils with steep slopes, mild temperatures and plenty of water, natural characteristics indicating great potential. Nuno Ramalho (head of winemaking) and oenologist António Maçanita have combined their knowledge, innovation and dedication, selected the grape varieties and created the so-called "100-point vineyard": Red varieties - Touriga Nacional (42%), Syrah (18%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%) and Petit Verdot (16%); and white varieties - Antão Vaz (22%), Chardonnay (8%), Viogner (30%), Verdelho (15%) and Riesling (15%).

Although there is already a project for a new winery, with a larger capacity and location, the existing one is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and is sufficiently sized for the current production of unique and attractive wines, born of modern oenology, but combined with subtlety and respect for tradition. The project is led by António Antunes and his wife Marta Neto. António is in charge of wine production and sales. Marta is responsible for marketing and also designs the beautiful award-winning labels.

They are the faces of this family business, along with other crucial workers, and everyone makes a difference in this project where "Demand, rigour and quality" are the key words.