The Region

The municipality of Arganil enjoys a privileged location in the Central Zone, strategically positioned between the Central Coast and Spain (Europe), and in proximity to various cities offering a range of infrastructure and services that ensure a high quality of life. With good road access, the municipality's seat is 60 km east of Coimbra and 240 km north of Lisbon, accessible via the IC6, IP3, or the N17 (the old Estrada da Beira) and the N342 towards Góis, where it intersects with the N2.

Arganil is set in a vast region of impressive landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see, dotted with authentic flavors that have been passed down through generations. The genuineness of the people, deeply rooted in their traditions and customs, is evident in the tranquility and silence felt in the villages, leisure areas, and river beaches along the Alva and Ceira Rivers and the Serra do Açor, part of the mountain range leading to the highest point in mainland Portugal, the Serra da Estrela. In addition to its rich natural heritage, the existing built heritage attests to the presence of various peoples over the centuries who have left their mark, such as the Lomba do Canho Archaeological Station, the 13th-century Chapel of St. Peter, and the old Arganilense Ceramics, now converted into a multi-purpose space near the town of Arganil.

The Historic Village of Piódão, the Schist Villages of Benfeita and Vila Cova do Alva also invite exploration of the territory, where the Fraga da Pena, the Mata da Margaraça (Protected Landscape of Serra do Açor), and the town of Côja, the Princess of Alva, as well as the lands of the Lordship of Pombeiro, now the parishes of Pombeiro da Beira and S. Martinho da Cortiça, deserve a special visit. Alongside all this natural beauty that delights visitors, the region boasts excellent gastronomy, including some of the best mountain goat, goat chanfana, cracklings, and Bucho from Vila Cova de Alva or Folques, making it an attractive destination.

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The Locality

Pombeiro da Beira, whose settlement dates back to the Roman era, reached its peak as the Lordship of Pombeiro, Sanguinheda, and Carapinha during the reign of King Afonso IV (1325-1357). It was granted to Martim Lourenço da Cunha, the 1st Lord of Pombeiro, whose strategic importance lay in the exploitation of gold along the Alva River. Among its built heritage, remnants include a Roman Stele dating from the 1st century AD, embedded in the left side wall of the Chapel of Our Lady of Loureiro nearby. The Mother Church houses the Sixteenth-century Tomb where the 7th Lord of Pombeiro, Mateus da Cunha, is interred, classified as a Property of Public Interest (IIP) since March 27, 1944. The Queen Santa Chapel, dating back to 1633 (16th century), was designated a Monument of Public Interest (MIP) on November 2, 2012. The Sanctuary of Santa Quitéria, built around 1719 (17th century), is also noteworthy and all these sites offer a historical journey through the Museological Exhibition of the parish.

The Vineyards

The vineyard of Quinta da Aldeia Nova is planted on a southeast-facing slope with clay-limestone soils that are very poor in nutrients and have poor drainage. The soil is predominantly rocky, consisting of quartz, ferruginous quartz, sandstone, and rolled pebbles.

The grape varieties planted were chosen based on the characteristics of the Demarcated Region where it is located, specifically those typical of the Dão region. The white grape varieties Encruzado, Sercial Branco, Malvasia Fina, and Síria are planted at lower elevations in high-altitude vineyards spread across three plots. The red grape varieties Baga, Tinta Roriz, Jaen, and Touriga Nacional are planted in terraces at altitudes reaching up to 300 meters.

The entire vineyard is pruned using the Guyot system, and no chemical products are used. Inácio manages the vineyards naturally, applying regenerative practices to strengthen the ecosystem's balance.