History
Passion for the vineyard
The alvarinho Dona Paterna was born from the passion of Carlos Alberto Codesso who, inspired by his father, Manuel Francisco Codesso, was interested in vineculture from a very early age. Obstinate and encouraged by his parents, in 1974, Carlos Alberto Codesso started the first plantation of Alvarinho.
The knowledge of the terroir, the contact with the vineyard, the cultivation of vines and finally the experience in winemaking was the foundation for the creation in 1990 of the Alvarinho wine brand Dona Paterna.
This relationship between wine and the terroir where it is located, respect for the environment, as well as the commitment to technology, allows to present today different profiles of high quality Dona Paterna Alvarinho.
THE STORY THAT BUILT THE NAME
A unique terroir in the world
The natural conditions of the microclimate and soil make the sub-region Monção and Melgaço a unique terroir in the world and the birthplace of Alvarinho. Thanks to the Atlantic exposure and a climate characterised by high rainfall, atmospheric humidity, mild temperatures and small thermal amplitudes, the Alvarinho variety reaches its maximum potential in this terroir.
Alvarinho wine is a noble wine. This variety is only produced up to 200 meters of altitude, and it is here that this variety finds the ideal conditions for cultivation and maturation. Hence its rarity and low production. Monção and Melgaço is not only the birthplace, but also the home of the Alvarinho variety. This sub-region was created in 1908, part of the White Wine Region, but the Alvarinho has existed in Portugal for over 700 years.
Unique wines
Dona Paterna wines are produced in an area of 17.5 hectares, in land of granite origin with a gentle slope and half slope facing south, in order to obtain a better sun exposure and, in this way, benefit from its maturation.
The new fermentation technologies, combined with ancestral winemaking processes, contribute to extracting all the grapes that arrive at the cellar. The result is different profiles, with unique and authentic flavours, living up to the terroir that gives them life and ideas for different side dishes: as an aperitif or to accompany seafood, fish or poultry dishes.
The oenological Support is in charge of the oenologist Fernando Moura, one of the most experienced and accredited technicians in the region.
