Algarve wine producer Herdade Barranco do Vale has launched its first Negra Mole red wine, made from grapes grown on a vineyard approximately 70 years old, as it celebrates a decade since its first harvest under its own brand.
The family-run estate, located in São Bartolomeu de Messines, in the Serra do Caldeirão, has produced the new 2025 red wine using grapes from a vineyard originally tended by the grandfather of the family, Ramiro.
According to Barlavento, the launch also marks a complete redesign of the winery’s labels, reflecting the estate’s landscape, heritage and family history.
The new labels feature original paintings inspired by photographs taken around the property over the years. Each wine is associated with a different painting depicting a particular corner, landscape or moment at the estate.
“The first 10 years have been about learning and putting down roots, both literally and symbolically,” said producer Ana Chaves.
“We felt this was the right moment for our labels to reflect not only the wine inside the bottle, but also the estate, the landscape and the people who make it all possible.”
Celebrating an Algarve grape variety
The new red wine highlights Negra Mole, a traditional Algarve grape variety known for its fruity character and elegant, approachable style.
The winery says the release reflects its commitment to preserving regional grape varieties while producing wines that express the distinctive characteristics of the estate.
“Launching our first Negra Mole red in the very year we celebrate 10 harvests under our brand is no coincidence. It is a way of celebrating our history while showing where we want to go,” the estate said.
The redesigned labels are being introduced across the entire wine range, with the producer stressing that the wines’ quality and individual characteristics remain unchanged.
Nestled among hills of schist and clay, Herdade Barranco do Vale combines traditional winemaking techniques with sustainable practices, aiming to produce wines that reflect the Algarve’s distinctive identity.
The new Negra Mole red and other wines from the estate are available through its usual retailers and online at hbv.pt
Inês Lopes
Newspaper editor at The Portugal Resident