Tinta Negra aka Molar (Colares),Saborinho (Azores), Tinta Bastarda (Canaries)
The island of Madeira emerged 5.6 million years ago from the Atlantic Ocean, its soils being acidic and volcanic. Known as a maritime route to the Americas and the Indies, it was an obligatory stopover for supplies of cargo and the wonderful Madeira wines that made it famous. The name "Villões" is the nickname that the inhabitants of the small island opposite, Porto Santo, with only 3,000 inhabitants, in contrast to the 300,000 on the island of Madeira, give to the people of Madeira. The name comes from the word vila (town) and today has gained a double connotation on the part of the Prophets (Porto Santenses).
The Tinta Negra grape variety is part of the ancient spirit of Madeira Island and is still the basis for the wines that have made the island famous. Outside Madeira Island, it is a rare grape variety that can only be found in regions where the sea is close by, taking on another name such as Molar in Colares, where it is practically extinct, Saborinho in the Azores, which is in the process of recovery, and the Canaries, where it takes on the name of TintaBastardo where it has very little expression.Not to be confused with Bastardo (aka Trosseau), its half-sister.
This Tinta Negra dos Villões - Estreito comes from a small plot of old vines, over 60 years old, in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, which shows the full potential of this grape variety on the south coast of Madeira Island.
The Estreito de Câmara de Lobos area is known as the place where Tinta Negra is planted on the south side of the island. The name Câmara de Lobos is believed to originate from the first navigators seeing sea lions in the caves “câmaras” of this location. The site benefits from southern exposure; however, the altitude of the vines makes the grapes later-ripening and the wines more elegant and fresh.
Training: traditional trellis vines.
Age of the vineyards: more than 60 years old. Soils: Volcanic soils, leptosols, or andosols; pH between 4.6 and 6.3 (neutral to slightly basic). Location: Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, on the south coast of Madeira Island.
3040 numbered bottles released in Novem- ber 2025.
11% Vol.
The grapes were harvested by hand, transported in 20kg boxes and sorted on a sorting table. 70% destemming and 30% whole bunch. Fermentation took place spontaneously, followed by 40 days of maceration.
Light ruby violet color. Intense nose, red fruit, graphite and smoke. Fresh, elegant and balan- ced attack. Acidity always present, fine tannins and a long finish.
Perfect for hearty dishes like stews, game meat, and cheek dishes, which require both intensity and freshness, along with acidity to cut through the richness of the flavors.
