Where the Identity of Loureiro Begins

BiAmar begins in the vineyard. It is in Brandara, Ponte de Lima, in the heart of the Lima Valley, that old Loureiro vines provide the foundation for a fortified wine offering an unconventional expression of this emblematic Minho grape variety.

More than a raw material, these vines represent the viticultural heritage on which the BiAmar project is built. The knowledge accumulated over the years, the characteristics of the soil, the Atlantic climate and the close monitoring of each growing cycle all contribute to defining the personality of the grapes that reach the winery.

Old Loureiro Vines

The BiAmar vineyards are made up of Loureiro vines approximately 35 years old, with their age representing an important distinctive element of the project.

Over the years, vines develop more established root systems and go through successive cycles of growth, flowering, ripening and dormancy. This continuity allows us to observe and better understand the behaviour of the vineyard and to monitor the development of the grapes more precisely.

In viticulture, the age of a vineyard is not, in itself, a guarantee of quality. It is the combination of age, plant health, vegetative balance, soil conditions, exposure, climate and the work of the grower that determines the potential of the raw material.

At BiAmar, these are precisely the factors we seek to monitor throughout each growing season.

The Terroir of Brandara

Brandara, in Ponte de Lima, lies within the Lima Valley, one of the areas historically associated with vine cultivation and the expression of Loureiro.

The proximity of the Atlantic influences the region’s climate, contributing to humid conditions and moderate temperatures that form part of the natural environment in which the grape variety develops.

This Atlantic setting is particularly relevant to Loureiro, a variety known for its aromatic intensity and its ability to retain acidity, contributing to the freshness of the wine.

At BiAmar, terroir is not understood simply as soil. It is the result of the interaction between climate, location, vineyard, grape variety and human intervention.

It is this combination that we seek to preserve from the vineyard to the bottle.

The Climate of the Lima Valley

The climate of the Lima Valley is characterised by Atlantic influence, with significant rainfall and generally moderate temperatures. These conditions are part of the viticultural identity of the Minho and directly influence the annual cycle of the vines.

Each growing season naturally brings different conditions. Temperature, rainfall, sun exposure and water availability influence vegetative development and the progression of ripening.

For this reason, viticulture requires constant monitoring.

In the BiAmar vineyard, each cycle is followed according to the condition of the vines and the development of the grapes, seeking to determine the right moment for harvest while preserving the characteristics that distinguish Loureiro.

Viticulture: Following the Vineyard Throughout the Year

Quality begins long before harvest.

Throughout the growing cycle, the vineyard requires close attention to the condition of the vines, the development of the bunches and the balance between vegetation and yield. Viticultural work aims to create the best possible conditions for the grapes to reach the desired level of ripeness.

Harvest represents the decisive moment in this process. It is then that the work carried out over the preceding months is transformed into the raw material for BiAmar.

The selection and careful handling of the grapes are essential to preserve Loureiro’s aromatic identity and enable its appropriate transformation into a fortified wine.

Loureiro: A Grape Variety with a Minho Identity

Loureiro is one of the most representative grape varieties of the Minho and one of the varieties most closely associated with the Lima Valley.

It is known for its aromatic expression, including floral and citrus notes, as well as the natural freshness that characterises many wines produced from this variety.

BiAmar starts from these characteristics but seeks to explore them through a different interpretation.

Rather than presenting Loureiro solely in its traditional expression, the project uses the grape variety as the basis for a fortified wine, seeking to preserve its aromatic identity while adding concentration, texture and a more enveloping dimension.

From Vineyard to BiAmar Production

BiAmar production begins with grapes sourced from the Loureiro vineyards of Brandara.

Each growing season presents its own challenges and requires decisions adapted to the specific conditions of the year. Viticulture, determining the right harvest date and taking care during the transformation of the grapes are all fundamental stages in producing a balanced wine that remains faithful to the project’s concept.

The objective is not to standardise nature, but to work with what each vintage provides.

It is through this relationship between vineyard, growing season, grape variety and human intervention that the identity of each BiAmar production emerges.

The Value of a Vineyard with History

An old vineyard is more than a collection of mature vines. It is also an agricultural heritage shaped by knowledge, adaptation and continuity.

At BiAmar, preserving these vines means keeping alive part of Ponte de Lima’s viticultural landscape while continuing to explore the potential of a grape variety deeply connected to the region.

It is within this heritage that we find the raw material to create a different interpretation of Loureiro.

BiAmar — a Loureiro fortified wine born from the vineyards of Brandara, Ponte de Lima.