Both the words Barlavento and Sotavento are based on the concept of wind. Barlavento means exposed to the wind, which implies that this sub-region will be more exposed to the Atlantic winds, while Sotavento corresponds to the side opposite to the wind, the eastern part of the Algarve, more protected from the Atlantic winds.
The Sotavento is a sandier area and is characterized by a greater influence of warm Mediterranean winds, less presence of Atlantic winds and infrequent rainfall.
Situated on the line that divides the two sub-regions, Quinta do Canhoto has a unique terroir, with a very particular climate that is characterized by high temperatures during the day, but with a sea breeze at night.
Some vineyards receive more warm Mediterranean winds while others receive cooler winds.
The mild temperature and sea breeze make the fruit ripen earlier. The temperature gives the fruit its best qualities, while the sea gives it freshness and acidity.
At Quinta do Canhoto, clay soil dominates, but we can find areas with sandy loam soil, areas with clay-limestone soil and others with sandy soil, with more than 4 m of sand depth, where the sea once reached.
It is therefore no surprise that wines from different plots have such a diverse profile. It is this richness and diversity that allows for the quality of wines from different varieties.
The raw material for our wines, the grapes, comes from the vineyard, which is why we treat them with the utmost respect for nature. We do not use synthetic chemicals, we opt for other good practices to keep them healthy.
All our vineyards have sea views, with a North/South orientation so that they receive the sea breeze and thus we obtain fresher wines.
Rational water management is essential, which is why we use a drip irrigation system and, on new plots, we have invested in a new system that saves even more water by progressively releasing it into the soil.
In the vineyards we have spontaneous plant cover that helps to maintain moisture in the soil, preventing soil erosion and evapotranspiration and, consequently, less need for water. Cover is also fundamental to soil biodiversity.
Weeds between plants are cleaned using inter-stems.
Soil fertilization is done using natural products such as pruning waste and animal manure.
Preserving biodiversity is fundamental for sustainability in viticulture.
At Quinta do Canhoto, the preservation of natural areas adjacent to the vineyards promotes the diversity of species, including beneficial insects and pollinators, essential for the health of the vineyards. Keeping this ecosystem balanced helps control pests and diseases naturally. Carob trees, olive trees, almond trees, fruit trees such as fig trees, mulberry trees, among many other species, all native to the Algarve, are part of the ecosystem of our farm, with many of these trees being centuries old.
Come and visit Adega Quinta do Canhoto, where the countryside meets the city and the sea mixes with the Algarve’s barrocal. Unique experiences await you!