The fruit of a family dream, Adega Velha is a wine brandy with over 50 years of history that remains true to its profile of excellence, following generations. Through its slow ageing in the first cellar built at Quinta da Aveleda, this old brandy combines tradition and innovation.
Aged in French oak casks from the Limousin region, Adega Velha seduces with its unmistakable amber colour. Obtained through the distillation of wine with a Controlled Designation of Origin from the Vinho Verde Demarcated Region, this brandy is the key to sharing memorable experiences.
Exclusivity, demand, and attention to detail are the genesis of a range of excellence, made up of 4 distinct references.
Discover 7 masterly details about Adega Velha brandy:
The Origin of Wine
Originating from red grapes of the Vinhão, Borraçal and Azal Tinto varieties in the Vinho Verde Demarcated Region, the wine from which this brandy is made has high levels of acidity, alcohol content and sedimentation, all of which are necessary to produce an excellent brandy.
The Alembic
At the beginning of the 20th century, Roberto Guedes brought a traditional Charentais copper alembic still with him from Cognac and began the first distillations of Vinho Verde. This ancient method, which continues to this day, is carried out only once a year.
The Alchemy of Distillation
The double distillation, which is part of Adega Velha’s production process, takes place in three phases: “heads”, “heart” and “tails”. Only the second phase of the second distillation, the “heart”, is used. Thus, to produce 1 litre of Adega Velha brandy, 8 litres of wine are needed.
Noble Wood
The old cellar, completed in 1885, has been the silent cradle of the slow transformation of Adega Velha brandy for over 50 years. This metamorphosis takes place inside French oak barrels from the Limousin region of France, which allow the colour, aromas and flavours of the brandy to be transformed. The noble oak gives the brandy notes of dried fruit, caramel, coffee, and chocolate.
The hallmarks of granite
The old winery is built entirely from granite stones extracted over 150 years ago from the quarry at Quinta da Aveleda, now part of the historic garden. Granite, an igneous rock with very little permeability, allows the temperature and humidity in the cellar to remain constant throughout the year. Interestingly, the interior is cooler in summer and milder outside in winter.
Harmony with Nature
When one enters the cellar, they are transported back in time on a journey of the senses. The air impregnated with the aromas of the brandy, the so-called angel’s share, bears witness to the passage of time. In this place, spider webs are visible that are never removed. The spiders are, in this case, the brandy’s best allies, protecting the barrels from woodbugs that could create cracks in them. A beautiful example of harmony between man and nature.
The Testimony of Time
The old cellar took 15 years to build, and its history can be seen inside. The structure, which houses the French oak barrels, comes from old railway lines, reused for this new purpose. The creativity of previous generations in favour of sustainability.
Get a closer look at the history of Adega Velha on a guided tour of Quinta da Aveleda in Penafiel.
