Consultant Oenologist
While his academic learning – a bachelor’s degree in oenology from the Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD) – was acquired close to his Douro roots, Luís Duarte’s name is closely linked to the Alentejo, where he established himself. Twice voted oenologist of the year in Portugal and winner of various wine awards, his characteristic bold and pioneering approach took him to Herdade do Esporão, one of the largest and most successful Portuguese winemakers.
A friend of the Soares family and intrinsically linked to Herdade da Malhadinha Nova from the beginning, the iconic wine “Marias da Malhadinha” was his project. His work as a consultant takes place in close cooperation with the resident oenologist, Nuno Gonzalez.
Resident Oenologist
Voted Upcoming Oenologist in 2017 by Revista de Vinhos, he is the man behind the wines created at Malhadinha Nova. His job is to blend indigenous and imported grape varieties together.
With a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra and a European master’s in viticulture and oenology, he has travelled in Australia, New Zealand, USA and the Tuscany region of Italy. He returned to Portugal via Niepoort, Cortes de Cima and José Maria da Fonseca.
The art of making wine comes from an alliance between science, knowhow and terroir. At Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, the responsibility is shared between two oenologists.