quinta colinas de são lourenço
Quinta Colinas de São Lourenço is the estate that embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence in the heart of Bairrada, one of Portugal’s most distinguished wine regions. Located in the small village of São Lourenço do Bairro, the property sits on a unique calcareous fault in the Bairrada sub-region, known for its exceptional terroir. The estate spans 61 hectares, planted at a high density of up to 6172 vines per hectare, with a focus on producing top-quality grapes for a wide variety of wines. The vineyards at Colinas de São Lourenço are home to both indigenous Portuguese varieties, such as Touriga Nacional and Arinto, as well as internationally recognized grapes like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.
The estate’s commitment to diversity allows it to craft a range of wines that express the full potential of the terroir. The unique calcareous soils, combined with the high density planting and optimal vineyard management without the use of irrigation, result in grapes with exceptional depth and complexity. One of the estate’s flagship products is its sparkling wine, produced using the traditional method with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. These wines have gained recognition for their fine bubbles and elegant character, highlighting the estate’s capability to excel in both still and sparkling wine production. Colinas de São Lourenço is also home to the highly regarded “Principal” and “Calcário3 do Principal” wine brands, which showcase the estate’s ability to craft wines with a strong identity and remarkable aging potential using the flagship Portuguese red variety Touriga Nacional intermixed with deeply concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot of the property.
The combination of high-quality grape varieties, unique terroir, and sustainable practices has made Quinta Colinas de São Lourenço a leader in Bairrada. The wines produced here are known for their elegance, balance, and ageability, capturing the essence of the region’s diverse terroirs and rich winemaking traditions.
Area: 61ha
Main grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga Nacional, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Arinto and Cercial
1958 – Acquisition of Quinta Colinas de São Lourenço
Sílvio Cerveira acquires Quinta Colinas de São Lourenço, a 7-hectare property located in a promising wine region. This marks the beginning of a wine project, but without its own brands, selling the grapes to local producers.
2001 – Property Expansion and Modernisation
Four decades after it was founded, Sílvio Cerveira (son) inherited the quinta and began a new phase of growth, acquiring several additional plots and increasing the total area of the property to around 80 hectares. A modern winery is built, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, with all the mass, must and wine being moved by gravity.
2001-2005 – Restructuring the vineyards
In an effort to maximise the estate’s quality potential, 53 hectares are replanted with international grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, complementing the region’s unique terroir. 7 hectares of old vines are maintained with indigenous varieties, such as Baga and Bical, in homage to the local winemaking heritage.
2003 – First Harvest and Launch of Own Brand
This year, Quinta Colinas de São Lourenço celebrates its first harvest under new management, launching its first own-brand wine, consolidating its reputation on the domestic market and paving the way for international ambitions.
2004 – Collaboration with Pascal Chatonnet
The estate hires French oenologist Pascal Chatonnet as a consultant, introducing innovative practices and raising production standards.
2005 – Creation of PRINCIPAL
Under the guidance of Pascal Chatonnet, PRINCIPAL is born, an emblematic wine that quickly stands out for its elegance and complexity. Officially launched in 2008, it has become a benchmark of excellence.
2009 – Acquisition by Carlos Dias
Businessman Carlos Dias acquires the property, recognizing its potential for producing world-class wines. Under his leadership, the restructuring of the vineyards continues, introducing new agronomic practices.
2013 – International Recognition
PRINCIPAL 2009 achieves a place in the TOP 10 of a blind tasting organized in Asia by the Italian magazine Spirito di Vino, alongside icons such as Château Pétrus.
2023 – Acquisition by The Fladgate Partnership
After three centuries dedicated exclusively to Port wine, The Fladgate Partnership acquires Ideal Drinks, entering the still and sparkling wine segment.
2024 – Rebranding and Strategic Expansion
The new CALCÁRIO³ DO PRINCIPAL identity is launched, aimed at still wines, while the COLINAS brand is now used exclusively for sparkling wines, reflecting a clear strategy of segmentation and premiumisation of the portfolio.
September 2024 – Launch of PRINCIPAL 2013
In a remarkable event, the 2013 harvest of PRINCIPAL is presented, now with the new image developed by Fladgate Still & Sparkling Wines. The ceremony includes a tribute to Luís de Camões’ 500th birthday, highlighting the spirit of innovation and the ambition to represent the best of national wine production, gaining overseas recognition.
