Quinta das Murgas lies in the Freixial hills of the Bucelas DOC, about 20 km north of Lisbon.

The estate’s vineyard covers roughly 12 hectares, planted with Arinto. Esgana Cão and some Touriga Franca. After decades of decline in the region, the winery was rescued in recent years by owner João França, who has focused on reviving traditional Bucelas winemaking.

The Lisbon wine region, stretching along Portugal’s Atlantic coast north and west of the capital, is one of the country’s most diverse and dynamic wine areas. Strongly influenced by the ocean, the climate is generally mild and maritime, with cool breezes tempering summer heat and preserving acidity in the grapes. Rainfall is relatively high, though inland subregions enjoy warmer, drier conditions ideal for richer reds. Soils vary widely, from sandy coastal plains to limestone and clay-limestone inland, allowing a broad spectrum of wine styles.

Lisbon’s vineyards host a rich mix of indigenous and international grape varieties. Whites often feature Arinto, Fernão Pires, and Vital, delivering crisp, mineral-driven wines with citrus and green apple notes. Reds include Castelão, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Alicante Bouschet, producing wines ranging from light, fruity styles to deep, structured expressions.

The diversity of terroirs gives rise to an equally varied range of wine styles. Coastal zones yield fresh, aromatic whites and light reds perfect for early drinking, while inland areas produce concentrated, age-worthy reds with dark fruit, spice, and earthy undertones. Sparkling wines and rosés are also made, showcasing the region’s freshness and vibrancy. Lisbon’s wines reflect both Atlantic elegance and Portuguese character, offering remarkable value and versatility.

Arinto is one of Portugal’s most important and versatile white grape varieties, prized for its naturally high acidity and age-worthy character. Grown across several regions, Arinto thrives in both coastal and inland climates, making it a popular choice for winemakers seeking freshness and structure in their white wines.

The variety is most famously associated with Bucelas, a small DOC near Lisbon, where it produces crisp, mineral-driven wines with excellent ageing potential. It is also widely planted in the Vinho Verde region, often blended with varieties like Loureiro and Alvarinho, and features in white wines from Alentejo, where it helps to retain acidity in the region’s warmer climate.

Arinto typically produces wines with vibrant citrus aromas – lemon, lime, and green apple – alongside subtle notes of wet stone, beeswax, and occasionally a saline edge. With time, it can develop complex, honeyed and toasty characteristics, making it well-suited to both still and sparkling wine production.

Viticulturally, Arinto is relatively resilient, with good drought tolerance and disease resistance. However, careful vineyard management is needed to control vigour and preserve acidity. Its ability to maintain freshness in warmer conditions has made it increasingly valuable as global temperatures rise, contributing to its growing appeal both within Portugal and beyond.