Murgas Arinto de Bucelas 2022

Quinta das Murgas, located in Bucelas near Lisbon, is a family estate that has been revitalised by João França, inspired by the legacy of his grandfather, Sérgio Geraldes Barba. More than just a wine estate, this place reveals a rich and surprising biodiversity: from stables and a riding arena to a lake inhabited by ducks and swans, not to mention goats and sheep that help maintain the woodland. The vineyard, inherited and rejuvenated, coexists with a landscape where animal life is both constant and valued, reflecting João’s passion for animals—a value passed down from his grandfather.

The story of Quinta das Murgas is also the story of a life project. Beginning with the Freixial aviaries, the estate expanded over the years. Today, under João’s management, it produces niche wines highly appreciated both nationally and internationally, thanks to its highly calcareous terroir, which gives Bucelas wines their unique personality. With grape varieties such as Arinto, Esgana-Cão and Touriga Franca, the estate celebrates viticulture with a balance between tradition and innovation.

Quinta das Murgas is, therefore, much more than a place: it is a story of love, passion, and dedication to the land and the life it nurtures, told through the generations of the França family and shared with all who visit.

Demarcated Region of Bucelas
The first official mentions of the Bucelas wine region date back to the monarchy, in 1908. Located 25 km north of Lisbon in the Trancão valley, the vineyards are planted in soils traditionally known as “caeiras,” predominantly derived from marls and hard limestones. The region benefits from a specific microclimate: cold in winter and temperate in summer, with considerable temperature fluctuations during the growing season. The grape variety that gives this famous VQPRD white wine (Vinho de Qualidade Produzido em Região Demarcada – Quality Wine Produced in a Demarcated Region) its unmistakable organoleptic characteristics is Arinto, grown in an exceptional terroir.

Terroir
Murgas benefits from a unique terroir, with calcareous and marl soils on a southwest-facing slope, sheltered from Atlantic winds by a chain of hills, resulting in wines of distinctive minerality and freshness.

Climate
With a singular microclimate, the region experiences cold, humid winters, while summers are characterised by hot, dry days contrasting with cool nights. These conditions allow for perfect grape ripening, reflecting the mineral and fresh style that distinguishes the great DOC Bucelas wines.

Winemaker – Bernardo Cabral
"It is a privilege to make wine in one of the oldest wine regions in the world. It is where I began and where I developed my passion for great white wines. Murgas represents history, terroir, and quality. With respect and humility, we care for the vineyard every day. The wines are the fruit of this philosophy, allowing their birthplace to speak for itself."