Malvasia de Colares

The white grape of the Colares sand vineyards, grown alongside Ramisco.

In the glassSaline, citrus, waxy; ages well.

Wines made with Malvasia de Colares

Colares

Red

Colares DOC

One of the world’s most unusual vineyards: ungrafted Ramisco vines planted in deep sand dunes by the Atlantic, crawling low behind cane windbreaks. The reds are austere and tannic, needing years to open; the whites from Malvasia de Colares are salty and long-lived.

Producers to try

Adega Regional de Colares

Est. 1931

Colares, Sintra · Lisboa

The historic cooperative that has kept Colares alive, aging Ramisco and Malvasia in large old wooden vats.

Viúva Gomes

Est. 1808

Almoçageme, Colares · Lisboa

A historic Colares house founded in 1808 and run today by the Baeta family. It makes Ramisco reds and Malvasia de Colares whites from ungrafted vines in the coastal sand, and holds back old vintages for decades before release.