Discovering Pêra Manca: Portugal's Prized Wine
Today, we turn our attention to one of the most prestigious and historical wines of Portugal: Pêra Manca. A name deeply entwined in Portugal's rich wine tapestry, Pêra Manca hails from the Alentejo region, and it continues to impress critics and connoisseurs alike with its remarkable quality, taste, and ageing potential. So, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a fascinating journey exploring the Pêra Manca, its history, best vintages, tasting notes, and ageing advice.
Cartuxa Winery
The History of Pêra Manca
Pêra Manca's legacy dates back to medieval times, with its first reference found in a 16th-century document. Produced by the Fundação Eugénio de Almeida winery, this wine's name—"Pêra Manca"—translates to "lame stone," named after the soft limestone soil in which its vines thrive. The region’s ideal terroir, combined with traditional winemaking techniques, offers a fascinating background for this storied wine.
In the past, Pêra Manca was cherished by Portuguese royalty, religious figures, and even famed explorer Vasco da Gama was said to have taken bottles on his voyages. Such historical significance only adds to the allure and charm of this exceptional wine.
When it comes to the best years for Pêra Manca, the vintages are highly dependent on the climatic conditions of the Alentejo region. Some standout years that produced truly remarkable wines include 1991, 1994, 2001, 2005, 2008, and 2014. These years offered perfect weather conditions, leading to well-balanced, intense, and extraordinarily complex wines.
Please note that Pêra Manca is not produced every year. The winemakers at Fundação Eugénio de Almeida only release this wine in exceptional years when the grapes meet their stringent quality standards, enhancing its rarity and desirability.
Tasting Notes
The tasting notes of Pêra Manca differ slightly between the red and white versions, but both are renowned for their complexity and balance.
Wine bottle
The Pêra Manca Tinto, usually a blend of Trincadeira and Aragonez grapes, presents a deep ruby colour. On the nose, it exudes complex aromas of dark fruits such as blackberries and plums, intertwined with hints of spice, vanilla, and cocoa due to its oak ageing. On the palate, it’s full-bodied with a well-structured tannin framework, balanced acidity, and a prolonged, lingering finish.
The Pêra Manca Branco, made predominantly from Antão Vaz and Arinto grapes, exhibits a vibrant straw hue. The bouquet unfurls with notes of citrus, tropical fruits, and delicate floral undertones. Upon tasting, you'll find it elegant and complex with balanced acidity and minerality, culminating in a long, refreshing finish.
One of the captivating aspects of Pêra Manca is its ageing potential. This wine is made to last and improves with time. The Pêra Manca Tinto can easily age for 20 years or more in the right conditions. This period allows the wine's powerful tannins to soften and complex secondary flavours to develop, enhancing the wine's richness and depth. Pêra Manca Branco, on the other hand, has an ageing potential of 10-15 years. Over time, it evolves and gains more complexity, with the fruitiness giving way to more nutty, honeyed notes. To maximize the ageing potential, ensure the bottles are stored horizontally in a cool, dark place, with a steady temperature around 12-15°C (54-59°F) and relative humidity around 70%.
To sum up, Pêra Manca is more than just a wine—it's a piece of Portugal's rich viticultural heritage, a delight for the senses, and a testament to the possibilities of Portuguese winemaking. Whether you're an oenophile or a casual drinker, tasting Pêra Manca is an experience not to be missed.