Casa da Tojeira 'Tojeira' Brut Sparkling Reserva White Blend 2023
An elegant traditional-method sparkling wine from the mountainous Basto subregion of Vinho Verde, combining vibrant citrus, delicate stone fruit and beautifully fine bubbles. Made from four complementary white grape varieties at a historic 17th-century Portuguese wine estate, this is a wonderfully refreshing alternative to more familiar European sparkling wines.
Casa da Tojeira Brut Sparkling Reserva White Blend comes from Faia, near Cabeceiras de Basto, where vineyards surround a magnificent historic manor house in northern Portugal. Made from Arinto, Azal, Chardonnay and Loureiro, this beautifully balanced sparkling wine brings together the refreshing acidity of traditional Vinho Verde grapes with the elegance and structure of Chardonnay.
The grapes are grown on granite soils at approximately 250 metres above sea level and harvested by hand before being gently pressed. Following fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, the wine undergoes a second fermentation inside the bottle using the traditional method, the same technique used to produce Champagne.
It then spends at least 12 months ageing in the cellar, allowing its fine bubbles and elegant texture to develop.
In the glass, expect a beautiful pale lemon colour with aromas of fresh citrus, ripe stone fruit, delicate linden flowers and subtle mineral notes. On the palate, it's beautifully balanced, with fine, persistent bubbles, refreshing acidity and a wonderfully long, harmonious finish.
At 12.5% ABV, it's a sophisticated yet approachable sparkling wine, equally suited to celebrations, seafood dinners or simply enjoying a glass before a meal.
Meet the grapes behind the blend
Four white grape varieties come together in this beautifully balanced sparkling wine, each contributing something different.
Arinto (40%) – The Freshness
Arinto is one of Portugal's most celebrated indigenous white grapes, particularly renowned for its naturally high acidity.
Known locally as Pedernã in Vinho Verde, Arinto typically brings vibrant lemon, lime and green apple characteristics, alongside delicate mineral notes.
Its ability to retain refreshing acidity makes it particularly valuable in sparkling wine production, helping maintain freshness and balance.
Azal (30%) – The Crispness
Azal is a traditional indigenous white grape from northern Portugal, particularly associated with the inland subregions of Vinho Verde, including Basto.
Naturally high in acidity and often relatively restrained in aroma, Azal can contribute fresh green apple, citrus and delicate floral characteristics.
Its bright, mouthwatering acidity makes it a wonderful partner for Arinto, creating the crisp backbone of the blend.
Chardonnay (20%) – The Texture
Although originally from Burgundy in France, Chardonnay is one of the world's most important grapes for traditional-method sparkling wine, particularly in Champagne.
Its versatility and naturally balanced structure make it particularly well suited to developing complexity during bottle ageing.
Typical characteristics include apple, citrus and stone fruit, while time spent ageing on the lees can contribute additional texture and subtle savoury notes.
In this blend, Chardonnay brings a lovely sense of roundness and structure.
Loureiro (10%) – The Aromatics
Loureiro is one of Vinho Verde's most distinctive indigenous white grapes, celebrated for its beautifully fragrant personality.
Its name comes from the Portuguese word for laurel, reflecting the delicate herbal character sometimes found in its wines.
Typical aromas include white flowers, orange blossom, citrus and subtle herbal notes.
Even in a relatively small proportion, Loureiro contributes an elegant aromatic lift, complementing the freshness and structure of the other varieties.
Together, these four grapes create a lovely balance of Arinto's vibrant acidity, Azal's crispness, Chardonnay's texture and Loureiro's delicate florals.
What is the traditional method?
The traditional method is the same winemaking technique used to produce Champagne, although only sparkling wines from the Champagne region of France can carry that protected name.
The process begins with the production of a still white wine.
Once the first fermentation is complete, the wine undergoes a second fermentation inside the bottle. Yeast converts sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide, and because the bottle is sealed, the carbon dioxide becomes trapped, creating the bubbles.
After fermentation, the wine remains in contact with the spent yeast cells, known as the lees.
This period of ageing can contribute additional texture and complexity, sometimes introducing delicate notes reminiscent of bread dough, pastry or toasted nuts.
Casa da Tojeira's sparkling wine spends at least 12 months ageing in the cellar, allowing its fine, persistent bubbles and beautifully balanced character to develop.
The result is a wine that combines the lively freshness of Vinho Verde with the elegance and refinement of traditional-method sparkling winemaking.
What do Brut and Reserva mean?
These two terms tell us something important about the wine.
Brut describes its sweetness level.
Under European sparkling wine regulations, Brut wines contain less than 12 grams of sugar per litre.
Casa da Tojeira's published technical information lists approximately 6 grams of residual sugar per litre, placing it comfortably within the Brut category.
Despite its ripe fruit aromas, the wine remains dry and beautifully refreshing, with lively acidity balancing its subtle residual sweetness.
Reserva refers to its ageing classification.
For Portuguese quality sparkling wines, Reserva indicates that the wine has undergone a prescribed period of ageing.
Casa da Tojeira's sparkling wine spends at least 12 months ageing in the cellar, giving it time to develop its refined bubbles and harmonious texture.
Together, these designations reflect a carefully produced, dry sparkling wine with elegance and complexity.
What makes Basto special?
Basto is one of the most inland subregions of Vinho Verde, where the lush green landscapes of northern Portugal begin to meet the rugged mountains of Trás-os-Montes.
Unlike the cooler coastal vineyards, Basto experiences colder winters and warmer, drier summers, allowing grapes to develop expressive fruit while retaining the naturally refreshing acidity for which Vinho Verde is famous.
The region's predominantly granite soils, mountainous surroundings and the influence of the Tâmega River create distinctive growing conditions.
These conditions are particularly interesting for sparkling wine production, where naturally high acidity is essential for maintaining freshness and balance.
And while Vinho Verde is internationally famous for its light, refreshing white wines, the region is also capable of producing elegant, structured and complex traditional-method sparkling wines.
Casa da Tojeira's Brut Sparkling Reserva White Blend is a wonderful example of that diversity.
About Casa da Tojeira
Casa da Tojeira is a historic 17th-century manor house and wine estate located in Faia, near Cabeceiras de Basto, in the Basto subregion of Vinho Verde.
The magnificent manor house has stood for more than 300 years, preserving the architecture, traditions and character of northern Portugal.
Today, the estate combines winemaking, accommodation and wine tourism, welcoming visitors to experience its historic house, surrounding vineyards and the beautiful Basto countryside.
The winery works with a diverse collection of Portuguese indigenous grape varieties, including Alvarinho, Arinto, Azal, Avesso, Loureiro, Trajadura and Vinhão, alongside international varieties such as Chardonnay.
Under the direction of winemakers Filipe Ribeiro and Nuno Grosso, Casa da Tojeira produces everything from elegant still wines to an impressive collection of traditional-method sparkling wines.
Their Brut Sparkling Reserva White Blend is a lovely example of the estate's approach, combining the natural freshness of northern Portuguese grapes with the craftsmanship of traditional sparkling winemaking.
Each bottle reflects both the remarkable diversity of Vinho Verde and the centuries-old heritage of Casa da Tojeira.
Aroma: Citrus · Stone Fruit · Linden Flowers · Subtle Mineral Notes
Palate: Dry · Fine Bubbles · Refreshing Acidity · Elegant Texture · Long, Harmonious Finish
Pair with: Oysters · Grilled Shrimp · Seafood Rice · Smoked Salmon · Sushi · Roast Chicken · Soft Cheeses · Light Seafood Pasta
Serving Temperature: 8°C / 46°F
