2. Ramos started as a pioneering wine consultant in 1980. Called “Portugal’s Emile Peynaud” (NYT) In 1990, he planted the first vineyard of his Vila Santa winery and began producing wine Today, he owns projects in Vinho Verde, Alentejo, Douro, and Beiras and oversees all winemaking Ramos was nominated for “European Winery of the Year” in Enthusiast’s 2013 Wine Star Awards Sustainable farming following The Natural Step framework About Portugal Ramos Family Estates João Portugal Ramos

4. Vinho Verde The largest DOC in Portugal In the northwestern province of Minho, with Spain’s Rias Baixas to the north and the Atlantic to the west Celtic influence Historically, farming was so dense that vines were trained high off the ground in a system called enforcado, with crops planted beneath Today, vines are trellised just off the ground to avoid rot and shade and maximize sun exposure Climate: Atlantic; cool and rainy with a lush landscape Geography: Elevated granite plateau traversed by rivers Key wine: A light-bodied white made from a blend of Loureiro, Alvarinho, Arinto, Azal, and Trajadura, often with a light CO 2 spritz Cuisine: Seafood such as octopus, cod (bacalhau), and sardines Vinha de Enforcado

5. Ponte de Lima

6. Lima Vinho Verde DOC Vinho Verde 100% Loureiro: No filler grapes and can stand up to cool weather. Aromatic – compared to Grüner Veltliner No CO 2 injection so as to highlight Loureiro varietal character and to last when poured BTG 2012: 86 “Best Buy” WE

7. About the Loureiro Grape Pronounce “loo-AIR-oo” (tap the tongue on the “AIR”) Considered the most aromatic of the Vinho Verde blend Notes of citrus, white flowers, and minerality with a signature savory, bay leaf finish Performs best in cooler climates and makes wines of good acidity that are attractively low in alcohol Compare to Grüner Veltliner

9. Alentejo Pronounce “al-en-TAY-zhoo” The southern DOC of Alentejo is surrounded by VR Alentejano, which covers 30% of Portugal “Alentejo” means “beyond the Tejo,” indicating its position south of the Tejo River Produces majority of Portuguese wine and olive oil for domestic consumption and most of the world’s cork. Livestock, horses & agriculture widespread. Important Roman center; ruins dot the landscape Ancient Alentejo city of Marvão Climate: Growing season is hot and dry, though cooler in the northeast. Irrigation necessary Geography: Plains and hills, with the São Mamede Mountains in the northeast along the border of Spain. Soils vary and include schist, pink marble, granite, and limestone with clay. Key wine: Reds from Aragonês, Trincadeira, Castelão, etc.; often rich and fruity due to hot climate Cuisine: Wild game, pork, and mutton with garlic and herbs

10. Terroir of the Alentejo Schist  minerality Clay  structure & softness Limestone  freshness & complexity

11. Loios White Pronounce “LOY-oosh” VR Alentajano (NB: when DOC, called Alentejo. When VR, called Alentejano) 50% Rabo de Ovelha and 50% Roupeiro from estate vines Stainless steel fermented Will be organic certified in 2016 by Codimaco Loios is the name of the 15 th -century order of monks who developed wine-making in the Alentejo 2012: Best Buy WE | 2013: Best Buy WE

12. Rabo de Ovelha (a.k.a. Rabigato)  Rousanne: One of the Douro's best white grapes. Full body and high acidity. Aromas of acacia and orange blossom with vegetal notes and minerality. Roupeiro (a.k.a. Códega do Larinho)  Grenache Blanc: Low acidity. Exuberantly aromatic of citrus, stone fruit, melon, and wildflowers. White Grapes of the Alentejo

13. Vila Santa Loios Rose VR Alentejano 50% Touriga Nacional and 50% Syrah from estate vines Stainless steel fermented Fresh and easy-drinking with bright, red fruit aromas Will be organic certified in 2016 by Codimaco Vila Santa means Holy Village and refers to the nearby ancient city of Estremoz, where the famed Miracle of the Roses occurred.

14. Vila Santa Loios Red VR Alentejano Will be organic certified in 2016 by Codimaco 35% Aragonês, 35% Trincadeira, 30% Castelão Unoaked 2011: 87 “Best Value” WS, 87 “Best Buy” WE 2012: 87 “Best Buy” WE

15. Aragonês [ar-a-go-NESH]: = Tempranillo: Gives aromas of black fruit and is expressive of oak contact. Trincadeira [trinc-a-DAIR-a]  Syrah: Soft tannins and high acidity with peppery, red fruit aromas. Castelão [cash-teh-LAO]  Barbera: Produces medium-bodied wines with food-friendly acidity and red fruit aromas. Alicante Bouschet = Garnacha Tintorera  Mourvèdre: A rare teinturier (grape with red flesh) with thick skins. Mainly used to add color and tannin to blends. Notes of cassis and sage. Red Grapes of the Alentejo

16. Vila Santa Reserva VR Alentejano 25% Aragonês, 25% Alicante Bouschet, 20% Touriga Nacional, 20% Syrah & 10% Cab Sauv from estate vines 9 mos new French oak Will be organic certified in 2016 by Codimaco Ripe black fruits blend beautifully with the spiciness imparted by the barrels. Elegant and full bodied with soft tannins. A big, powerful, and full wine. 2010: 90 WA

17. Quinta da Viçosa [KEEN-tah dah vee-SO-za] VR Alentejano, single-estate 50% Syrah and 50% Trincadeira from the Quinta da Viçosa estate 12 mos new French oak Will be organic certified in 2016 by Codimaco Ripe red fruit, vanilla & spice. Velvety smooth tannins with a persistent finish. This wine will age for many years, but is ready to drink now. 2009: 92 WA, 90 WS