History
The story behind Casa de Sarmento dates from 1980 when a restaurant specialised in roast-suckling pig was created in the heart of the Bairrada Demarcated Region.
Less than 12 years later, a chain of restaurants was begun.
With the subsequent acquisition of three properties, two in the Alentejo – one in Avis and another in Castelo de Vide – and a third in Mealhada, Bairrada, Casa de Sarmento managed to become self-sufficient in wine and sparkling wine as well as in their livestock and crop production.
Until 2005, Casa de Sarmento wines were sold exclusively for their restaurant chain. However, from that year, 600,000 bottles began to be exported annually.
Since that time, Casa de Sarmento wines have won significant recognition: Gold medals, silvers and bronzes have proven the quality of these excellent wines.
Part of Casa de Sarmento vineyards are found in the heart of the Bairrada Demarcated Region, on an 80-hectare plot that makes Casa de Sarmento the fourth largest producer in the region. Touriga Nacional, Baga, Jaen, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are the red grape varieties deemed most suitable for these clay limestone soils, which are responsible for the structure found in the new wave of red wines of Bairrada.
The Alentejo vineyards, on the other hand, are located in the Portalegre sub-region, specifically in Avis and Castelo de Vide. The estate of Herdade da Defesa de Barros once belonged to the historic Military Order of Aviz, a religious and military brotherhood in the service of the monarchy. This is where the Alentejo wines of Casa de Sarmento are produced. Red wines are made from Aragonez, Trincadeira Preta, Periquita, Alicante Bouschet and Touriga Nacional grapes.
