Founded in 1989 by Miguel Louro, a dentist by profession, Quinta do Mouro is now seen as one of Alentejo’s premier estate for high end, classically styled reds of great distinction. The property was built in the 18th century and belonged to one family until the revolution of 1974 saw the forcible expatriation of the Zagalo family (who owned the quinta.) It went into disrepair and became derelict. The Zagalo’s returned after the right-wing dictatorship was overthrown and put it up for sale.
Enter Miguel Louro, a strong-willed dentist who always had the dream of making wine. Louro likes to do things his own way. “He is pretty anti-establishment,” said his son Luis on a recent visit to LA. Luis makes the wine at Quinto do Mouro and his own property Adega do Monte Branco since returning from stage in Sonoma in 2004. “He’s always done things opposite everyone else.” He bought the derelict property in 1989 and within 5 years had produced his first vintage with the six hectares he’d planted of Alicante Bouchet, Aragonez (Portuguese Tempranillo), Cabernet Sauvignon, Trincadeira, and Castelão.