Kranemann Wine Estates: Tradition, Innovation, and a Storied Legacy

Nestled within the picturesque Távora Valley, Kranemann Wine Estates is a testament to the enduring wine heritage of Portugal's Douro region. At the heart of this estate is Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias, a historic property known for its integral role in shaping the Douro's wine culture and for producing exceptional Port and DOC Douro wines.

Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias: A Piece of History

Founded in the 12th century by monks from the Cistercian Order, the Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias has been part of the Douro's winemaking tradition for centuries. The monks' expertise played a significant role in initiating viticulture in the region.

Surrounded by olive groves and forests, the estate's robust granite walls stand sentinel over an array of vibrant grapevines that line the slopes leading down to the Távora valley. This magnificent vista is completed by the sight of an ancient Roman bridge that was reconstructed in the Middle Ages.

Kranemann Wine Estates has been the steward of Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias since 2018, spearheading a new wine and wine tourism initiative that enhances the Douro region's distinctive character.

The Távora Valley: Uniquely Douro

The Távora Valley's unique terroir sets it apart from other wine-growing areas in the Douro. Its favorable climate and rich soils contribute to the outstanding quality of the wines produced at Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias. Here, the local grape varieties, nourished by the valley's natural bounty, imbue the wines with a distinct sense of place.

The legacy of the estate is also entwined with rich local legends, such as the tragic love story of Ardinga, the daughter of the Muslim Emir of Lamego, and her Christian beloved, Dom Tedon, a tale that ties the history of the estate to the broader narratives of the region.

Winemaking Philosophy at Kranemann Wine Estates

At Kranemann Wine Estates, the winemaking process respects the property's long history while incorporating modern techniques to enhance the quality of the wines. This approach embodies a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation that sets the estate's wines apart.

The wines produced at the estate, whether Port or DOC Douro wines, embody the unique terroir of the Távora Valley. They are a testament to the distinct flavors that this particular area of the Douro can yield, providing wine lovers with a unique tasting experience.

The New Monastic Legacy and the Legend of Saint Pedro

One of the most compelling aspects of Kranemann Wine Estates' history is its ties to the Monastery of São Pedro das Águias. From its origins as a Benedictine monastery to its transition to the Cistercian Order, the site played a crucial role in shaping the region's religious and cultural landscape.

In the 16th century, the monastery underwent significant renovations and was reborn in the Baroque style, flourishing under the patronage of Queen Maria the Pious until the 1834 edict that led to the abolition of religious orders and the confiscation of monasteries across Portugal.

Though much of the monastery was looted and subsequently destroyed by fire, one relic remained untouched - the statue of Saint Pedro. To this day, it stands in the church's niche, adding a mythical aura to the estate and providing a tangible connection to its monastic past.

Today, Kranemann Wine Estates stands as an icon of the Douro region's rich wine heritage. Its stewardship of Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias and commitment to producing high-quality wines have ensured that the estate's historic legacy continues to thrive, shaping the region's viticultural future. This combination of respect for the past and a forward-thinking approach positions Kranemann Wine Estates at the forefront of the modern Douro wine scene.

  • Diogo Lopes

  • 2009 / 2018

  • No Colheita’s have been bottled

  • Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias

  • Kranemann Wine Estates

Prtwine

Being a Portwine lover since 2013 - Owned a successful portwine webstore in The Netherlands & Belgium. Lived in Porto - visited the Douro many times and tasted the most incredible Portwines.

Previous
Previous

Van Zellers & Co.

Next
Next

Quinta da Corte