Paterna Owner - Alvarinho Wine Producer

Story

The Dona Paterna winery, by Carlos Alberto Codesso, is located in Quinta da Carvalheira, in the center of the parish of Paderne, close to the village of Melgaço. It is close to the old Monastery and its ancient Romanesque church, which is a national monument.

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An old historical tradition states that the said Monastery of Paderne was founded in the 10th century by Dona Paterna, married to Count Don Hermenegildo, governor of Tui (Spain) and sister of the famous Saint Rosendo of the Order of Canons Regular of Saint Augustine. Hence the name of this parish and, in its memory, the name of this wine.

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From a very young age, Carlos Alberto Codesso was interested in viticulture and encouraged his father, Manuel Francisco Codesso, with the plantations of Alvarinho. The first plantations date back to 1974, using the driving system used at that time (cross-head), later, with Carlos at the head of the farm, using the simple and simple ascending cord system.

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After many years of contact with the vineyard and winemaking, they allowed the accumulation of experience for the creation of the Alvarinho Dona Paterna wine brand in 1990.

The wine

Alvarinho Dona Paterna is produced exclusively with grapes of the Alvarinho variety, in an area of ​​15.5 ha, in terrains of granitic origin (functioning as a drain in rainy years, which implies a constant high alcohol content) of gentle slopes and half slopes. facing south, in order to obtain a better exposure to the sun and thus benefit its maturation.

The vineyards are located in the sub-region of Monção-Melgaço, which has a unique microclimate in the world, hence it is also called the Alvarinho wine region or the Origin of Alvarinho which, due to its unique characteristics, is also called “king of green wines”. , as this sub-region is part of the Vinho Verde region.

The planting, conservation and treatment of the vineyards is supervised by the Agronomist Fernando Sousa, who has supported Carlos Alberto Codesso since the beginning. It is currently in integrated protection.

In addition to the 100% Alvarinho wine, Dona Paterna produces other high quality wines, such as the Alvarinho + Trajadura blend (a very typical variety in the region), the rosé of the region, the 100% alvarinho sparkling wine and old alvarinho brandies.

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