In the heart of Portugal, where the Atlantic winds meet the rugged beauty of Colares, a winemaking journey began in 2008. Casca Wines, founded by the visionary winemaker Hélder Cunha, has emerged as a beacon of excellence in the world of Portuguese wines. This blog delves into the story behind Casca Wines, the man behind the magic, and the unique approach they take in crafting wines that speak the language of Portugal's diverse terroirs.

 

The Genesis:

 

Casca Wines was born out of Hélder Cunha's passion for creating wines that authentically express the terroir of each of Portugal's demarcated regions. The micro-region of Colares, known for its challenging conditions, became the proving ground for Casca Wines. Here, against the ocean winds, Hélder Cunha embarked on a mission to produce truly distinctive wines that reflect the essence of Portugal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image Source: Casca Wines Facebook

Cascais: A Source of Inspiration:

The roots of Casca Wines run deep into the soil of Cascais, the birthplace of Hélder Cunha. This picturesque town inspired not only the name of the winery but also the brands that encapsulate the diverse portfolio of Casca Wines. With over 10 years of history and a presence in more than 35 global markets, Casca Wines stands as a testament to the marriage of tradition and innovation.

 

Image Credit: Hélder Cunha  Image Source: Casca Wines Facebook

Hélder Cunha: The Maestro of Terroir:

At the helm of Casca Wines is Hélder Cunha, a seasoned winemaker and International Wine Challenge (IWC) Judge. Hélder's journey began in Napa Valley in 2000, crafting exceptional Pinot Noir at Ken Rasmussen Winery. His educational journey took him to the Geisenhein Research Center before diving into the nuances of winemaking in Portugal's Douro Valley. Notably, at Vinhos Borges, he earned the Grand d'Or Concour Mondial de Bruxelles medal.

In 2008, Hélder Cunha founded Casca Wines, breaking new ground as the first Portuguese wine company to produce wines in ten different DOCs. His passion for showcasing Portugal's unique winemaking traditions led to the creation of the TV series "Rotas dos Vinhos" in 2013, where he explored the country's rich vinicultural heritage alongside renowned actor José Fidalgo.

Mission and Values: Sustainably Crafting Excellence:

Casca Wines isn't just about producing exceptional wines; it's a commitment to sustainability and a vision for the future. They take the principles of sustainability seriously, ensuring that each bottle represents not just the land it comes from, but also a responsibility to preserve it for generations to come.

Rooted in tradition and working closely with winemakers across the country, Casca Wines extracts the flavors and intensity unique to each vineyard. Their mission revolves around conveying the personality of the vineyard and its grower, creating a larger balance that reflects the harmony of nature.

Image Source: Casca Wines Facebook

In Conclusion:

Casca Wines, under the leadership of Hélder Cunha, stands as a beacon of innovation and tradition in the world of Portuguese winemaking. With a commitment to sustainability, a global presence, and an unwavering dedication to expressing the true essence of Portugal's diverse terroirs, Casca Wines invites wine enthusiasts on a journey that goes beyond the glass – a journey through the soul of Portuguese winemaking.

Casca Wines’s Monte Cascas Colheita 2021 scored 91 points at the 2023 USA Wine Ratings achieving Gold Medal.

Aromatic tropical fruit and pear aromas on the nose. Flavors of fresh tangerine, pineapple, lemon, and spices on the palate. Well balanced and flavourful wine. Eye catching label using soft green colors.