Introduction to Lusus Winery
Lusus is a family winery that can trace its roots back through multiple generations, each one passing down their artistry and knowledge of winemaking. The inspiration for this project stems from ancient Roman mythology, where Luso is depicted as the son or companion of Bacchus, the God of wine.
The Terroir of Silgueiros
Located in the sub-region of Silgueiros, within the wider Dão region and the parish of S. João de Lourosa, Lusus cultivates its vineyards across five distinct plots. The vineyards are defined by their clay soils and gravel, creating a distinctive terroir. Such terroir is uncommon in the Dão, where 98% of the soils primarily consist of granite. A remarkable exception exists in the form of Lusus wines, which originate from the rare 2% of clay and shale soil. This unique soil, once a riverbed, contributes to the distinct character of Lusus wines, which is made exclusively from the fine, white Encruzado grape variety.
Winemaking Process
The fruit was hand-harvested in 20kg boxes on 3rd September 2020 and underwent direct pressing at the winery. The juice was transferred to new and used 300l and 500l barrels from two Burgundian cooperages, where it spontaneously fermented with indigenous yeasts for 12 days. Fermentation was allowed to continue without strict temperature control; barrels were placed outside the winery at night and brought inside during the day to minimise temperature variations. After fermentation, the wine was aged for 10 months in barrels, with lees stirring (bâtonnage) for 6 of those months. Bottled in July 2021 without any further intervention and released to the market in February 2023.
The Essence of Lusus Wines
Each bottle of Lusus wine is a testament to the family's commitment to quality and tradition. Produced in limited quantities, every edition is carefully numbered, making Lusus wines truly unique and collectable. Lusus Family Wines is the embodiment of a family's passion, expertise and love for winemaking, resulting in exceptional wines that reflect their heritage and dedication to the craft.
