List of products by producer Quinta de Lubazim

In 1385, King João I granted João Gomes the lordship of Lubazim in the Upper Douro for his deeds in the Battle of Aljubarrota. One of João Gomes’ daughters later married Gonçalo Vaz de Castro, grandson of the Meirinho-Mor (Chief Magistrate) to the King. The Quinta de Lubazim has remained in the possession of the Castro family to this day, which means that the estate has been owned by the same family for 23 generations.

After the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385, King João I gathered all those who had fought for him and rewarded them for the courage and bravery they displayed in battle.

To Nuno Álvares Pereira, the Constable of Portugal, he granted many castles and towns. To João Gomes, who carried seven heads impaled on his lance, the King said: “Here I grant you the Vale of Lubazim.” Thus began a story spanning centuries, which has become a legend throughout the Douro region, as this land has never left the family’s possession. Today, 23 generations of the Castro family remain the Lords of Lubazim, 23 generations who have lived and served Portugal, as nobles of the Royal Household, fighting in India and for the King’s army.

One such figure, D. Manuel de Castro, commanded the Portuguese contingent that marched to the gates of Moscow with Napoleon. Others fostered the arts, such as D. Luís de Castro, who founded the Freixo de Numão Philharmonic Band, still active today. Others advanced agriculture, leaving behind legacies such as the Lubazim wine warehouse, one of the largest in the Douro.

The vineyards
The vineyards of Quinta de Lubazim are located in the Douro Superior region, on the right bank of the River Douro, in the valley between the Serra da Lousa and the summit of Bulfata, at around 100 metres altitude. This area is known for producing some of the finest Portuguese wines.

The property spans 90 hectares, with around 20 hectares of young vines (aged between 5 and 15 years) and old vines over 40 years old.

The grape varieties cultivated include Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Amarela, Alicante Bouschet, Syrah, Tinta Roriz, and 42 other varieties registered with the IVDP (Port and Douro Wines Institute).

The vineyards benefit from abundant sunlight due to their southern exposure and are planted in schist soils.

The wines

The Quinta uses two brands for its estate wines. The “Quinta de Lubazim” label is reserved for red wines produced in exceptional years, including Reserva and Grande Reserva wines. These wines represent the estate’s highest expression and embody the best that the Douro Superior region has to offer.

The “Lupucinus” label is also made from estate-grown grapes and includes white and red wines in Colheita and Reserva categories. These wines are produced every year and consistently reflect the estate’s quality and style.

The year 2011 was particularly special. To celebrate the outstanding quality of that year’s “Lupucinus” production, the estate released a rare and precious “Lupucinus Grande Reserva 2011”. This wine is truly unique.

The name “Lupucinus” honours the packs of wolves that once roamed the hillsides of the Vale de Lubazim.

"The young wolves, frolicking in the warm lands of the Upper Douro, never lose their noble wildness."

Tasting Notes

Red wines
The red wines are clean and bright in appearance, with a deep violet hue and intense depth. They exhibit complex aromas of fresh rockrose and wild berries, beautifully integrated with subtle balsamic notes. On the palate, they are vibrant, with exceptional texture characterised by silky tannins and fresh wild berry flavours. These wines are elegant and harmonious, with a persistent, long-lasting finish.

They are ideal for drinking now but also have great aging potential, suitable for cellaring for over 20 years. Each bottle represents the beginning of a “Grand Journey.”

The red wines are produced from grape varieties including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Amarela, Sousão, Tinta Roriz, and very old vineyards featuring a rich blend of ancient varieties.

White wines
The white wines are elegant and captivating, brimming with exotic fruit notes such as starfruit and papaya, alongside intense hints of pepper and pear. These aromas carry through to the palate, where they are complemented by juicy, ripe acidity that is perfectly balanced.

The white wines are made from Viosinho, Rabigato, Códega de Larinho, and Alvarinho grape varieties.