An accomplished winemaker, Luís Duarte needs no introduction both inside and outside the industry — his contributions across multiple fronts over several decades speak for themselves. He has been a consultant for Malhadinha Nova in wine creation since the very beginning.

1. He has been involved in the Malhadinha project from the start. How do you see the evolution of our wines?
The Malhadinha project began in 2003. With the launch of the first vintage of Malhadinha red wine, we achieved 3 trophies at the International Wine Challenge in London, a recognition never, before, attained by any producer in Portugal. This marked the start of a project with a well-defined strategy set by the Soares family (…) Over the years, the wines have developed naturally in response to the changing climate but always adhering to the same principles that have guided this project. At no point were any of these principles compromised, and, as one can understand, it hasn’t always been easy over these 22 years.
I also believe that the wines have adapted to the current profile of wine consumers. On the other hand, the vineyards have reached a more consistent phase in terms of production and quality — and we have also gained more knowledge about this terroir and the grape varieties we work with.

2. What makes Marias da Malhadinha a timeless wine?
Since the launch of its first vintage, Marias da Malhadinha has been a wine where we aim to showcase the best of what Alentejo and Malhadinha have to offer. By selecting the best varieties from each harvest, this wine, traditionally vinified in lagares with minimal intervention, seeks to express our respect for our terroir.

3. Malhadinha has become a producer of organic wines. Is this a category valued by consumers?
The path to producing organic wines and obtaining certification for sustainable production has been a natural progression in the life of this project (…) In addition to being a market trend, it is something that is part of the company’s DNA and, above all, something we believe in. We pursue this path more for ourselves than for the market because this is our way of being.

4. Is the focus on traditional national varieties a good response to climate change?
Yes. These varieties are often better adapted to the specific conditions of each region, exhibiting greater resistance to extreme conditions such as droughts, heatwaves, and are also more resilient to pests and diseases. This natural resilience makes them a valuable option, maintaining more stable production even during water stress. Furthermore, by focusing on these varieties, we preserve greater genetic diversity, one of the main tools for adapting to new climatic scenarios.