Talha de Frades

"Talha de Frades" was born out of the passion of Alexandre Frade, an accountant by profession but deeply connected to the roots of the Alentejo, for the ancient winemaking method known as Amphora Wine. This is ancestral knowledge that spans generations and is deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the Alentejo.

When he was a teenager, Alexandre had his first contact with this world at his father's tavern in Beja – a place that was not only a meeting point but also a true cultural hub, where “despique” singers gathered and the Amphora Wine was preserved and served throughout the year. This experience left a lasting impression that stayed with him into adulthood.

Later, motivated by his involvement with local producers and inspired by the “Vitifrades” festivities, Alexandre recognised the importance of ensuring the sustainability of Amphora Wine, not just as a tradition, but as a product with genuine economic value. He began to question the traditional model that limited its consumption to just a few months a year and asked himself: “What if Amphora Wine could be enjoyed all year round and even aged in bottles without losing quality?”

With this innovative spirit, he began his first experiments on his estate in 2011. But he was not satisfied with empirical knowledge alone – in 2014, he enrolled in the Viticulture and Oenology course at IPBeja, combining scientific knowledge with traditional practice. In 2015, he founded “ACV – Produção e Comércio de Vinho de Talha”, and in 2023, with a renewed identity and mission, “Talha de Frades” was born.

Today, “Talha de Frades” represents a bridge between the past, the present, and the future of Amphora Wine. It is a project that respects tradition, lives the present with authenticity, and looks to the future with innovation. Production takes place in three wineries: two traditional, with historic amphorae dating back to 1856, and a new winery, the first gravity-fed facility dedicated exclusively to the production of Amphora Wine.

Our mission is clear: to preserve the genuine character of Amphora Wine and ensure the conservation of traditional Alentejo grape varieties, keeping this unique heritage alive and relevant for generations to come.