Why it matters
The producer
Casa Relvas is an Alentejo producer whose range spans an estate named wine, grape named reds, organic wine and rosé. Its named wines include Casa Relvas Touriga Nacional, Merino Organic, Segredos de São Miguel Organic and Casa Relvas Pom Pom Pequeno Rosé. Merino Organic is an organically certified field blend from northern Alentejo.
Alexandre Relvas began Casa Relvas in 1997, drawing on a family agricultural history that spans five generations and two continents. Casa Relvas introduced winter sheep grazing in the vineyards to reduce herbicides and chemical fertilisers, and half of its fertilisation comes from animal compost and organic winery waste. All water used in the cellar is recycled for vineyard irrigation, while water used per bottle has fallen by 30% in recent years.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Casa Relvas uses several Alentejo place names on its wines. Herdade de São Miguel is in Redondo, while Merino Organic comes from vineyards in northern Alentejo. Casa Relvas Touriga Nacional and Segredos de São Miguel Organic carry the Alentejano appellation. Herdade de São Miguel is an estate and wine range within Casa Relvas; it is not a separate producer.
At Herdade de São Miguel, vines are planted on clay and schist and surrounded by montado forest. Clay can hold moisture, while schist breaks into thin plates and opens paths through the ground for roots and drainage.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
Casa Relvas Touriga Nacional ferments in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with slow extraction and ages only in steel. Stainless steel is a neutral vessel, so it keeps oak flavour out of the ageing stage; slow extraction draws colour and tannin gradually during fermentation. Merino Organic is vinified in stainless steel with some oak influence.
Wines to know
The range in view
These bottles divide by grape composition and colour. Casa Relvas Touriga Nacional 2023 is a single variety red. Segredos de São Miguel Organic 2024 blends 50% Aragonez, 35% Alicante Bouschet and 15% Syrah. Merino Organic Red Wine 2024 is an organically certified field blend from northern Alentejo, dominated by Touriga Nacional. Casa Relvas Pom Pom Pequeno Rosé 2025 is a dry rosé.
Casa Relvas Touriga Nacional brings blackberry and blackcurrant, followed by violet and sage, with a long, balanced and fresh finish. It is aged only in steel. Segredos de São Miguel Organic is fruity, with oak, blackberry, lavender, liquorice, plum and raspberry. Merino Organic is a flavourful red with concentrated red fruit and spice. Casa Relvas Pom Pom Pequeno Rosé is just under medium bodied, with modest acidity, a short finish and pronounced bitterness.