A unique journey through the Avesso variety.

In Santa Marinha do Zêzere, Baião, in the southeast of the Demarcated Region of Vinhos Verdes, already in the heart of the Douro river valley, the Cazas Novas project was born, proposing a unique journey through the study and interpretation of one of the most exciting Portuguese white grape varieties - Avesso.

The name Cazas Novas is inspired by one of the centenary estates where the Cunha Coutinho family accumulates what is, in the heart of the Baião sub-region, the largest area dedicated to the growing of this Portuguese white grape variety. In total, a treasure of 24 hectares, concentrated in the area considered as an excellent stage for the expression of this very exclusive variety.

In a transition zone between the Vinhos Verdes and the Douro, and with the river as an influence and backdrop, the hillside vineyards, on granite soils, face high thermal amplitudes, in a terroir of excellence for the Avesso grape variety, originating wines unique, unparalleled in any other region, which are characterized by their freshness and minerality, but also by the potential for evolution.

The inspiration for the project and for the Cazas Novas brand comes from Quinta das Cazas Novas, an emblematic property located in Santa Marinha do Zézere, Baião, a heritage of the Cunha Coutinho family for seven generations.

In a municipality with a strong agricultural vocation, the Cunha Coutinho family has always preserved the connection to the land, promoting the cultivation of almond, cherry and cereals, combined with the local tradition of the vineyard.

In recent years, and following the growing investment in the Avesso grape variety, viticulture has gained central importance. Today, the largest area of ​​the vineyard appears in a second family property, the also emblematic Quinta de Guimarães, acquired by the family 150 years ago and, since 2005, also with rural tourism (enhancing all the beauty and grandeur of its sunny building, characteristic from Portuguese Baroque era).

With Quinta das Cazas Novas, Quinta de Guimarães and two other properties overlooking the Douro, Quinta do Adro and Quinta das Tias, the Cunha Coutinho family adds a forest and agricultural heritage of over 100 hectares, of which 24 are dedicated exclusively to viticulture of the Avesso variety.

The first bottled wine appeared in 2008, with the curious sum of 3333 bottles. From 2011, with the support of the winemaker Diogo Lopes and Vasco Magalhães, the study of the Avesso variety was initiated and the basis for the current wine project, which involves a partnership with four entrepreneurs: Carlos Coutinho (agricultural and financial management ), Diogo Lopes (oenology and viticulture), Vasco Magalhães (commercial management and marketing) and André Miranda (production and management).

It is an iconic variety in the southeast of the Vinho Verde Region, which finds in the sub-region of Baião its broadest, most genuine and highest quality field of expression. There, already in the Douro Valley and in the poor soils that mark the hillside vineyards, Avesso presents itself as a vigorous variety, appreciative of the dry climate, cold winters and very hot summers.

Depending on the time of harvest, Avesso grapes can demonstrate attributes of great aromatic expression, acidity, freshness or concentration, revealing enormous oenological potential for younger wines or for wines with an aging capacity. Among the vast heritage of Portuguese white grape varieties, the Avesso variety is another that arouses great curiosity. Its name is itself an enigma, suggesting an idea of ​​aversion or hostility to something. The grape variety is not among the most productive and, it is a fact, outside its excellent terroir, viticulture is not easy. There, too, its exclusivity is defined.