We are delighted to present the latest collection of underwater wines from Herdade do Cebolal, a visionary project that began nearly eight years ago on the Atlantic coast of Setúbal.
Led by mother and son duo, Isabel and Luís Lufinha Mota Capitão, Herdade do Cebolal embraces the principles of regenerative farming while pushing the boundaries of terroir-driven winemaking. Their unique approach involves submerging wine bottles in the sea to explore the impact of underwater aging.
Underwater wines are a result of an experiment to replicate the wines that were produced and drunk during the time of the explorer Vasco da Gama. It was noted that wine transported aboard caravel ships had a markedly improved taste compared to the same wine that had aged on-shore, due to the constant motion of the swell of the sea.
Resting at depths of 10 to 30 meters, for 12 to 21 months, the wines evolve with exceptional character, the gentle rocking and rolling of the waves replicating those wines from centuries past. Each bottle reflects the varying proximity to the ocean’s surface, creating vintages that come alive with depth and nuance. Elegant expressions of Castelão, Alicante, and Bastardo, are blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, each with a unique softness, minerality, and a distinct savoury note. Grapes are grown without the use of chemicals with a low intervention approach. We recommend pairing the Emerso Branco with our Ibérico pork plumas, and the Emerso Tinto with Smoked Carabineiros, deep sea scarlet prawns with crispy garlic, chili and lemon.
We have championed Herdade de Cebolal and their Atlantic winery for many years and we are proud to be able to offer these rare wines exclusively at Lisbeota in the UK.
View the wine list here. Click here to follow the journey of our underwater wines on Instagram.
