Casa Altas

José Madeira Afonso has 15 hectares of vineyards, high up in the barren, depopulated hinterlands of the Beira Interior. He’s been making wine since 1995, although his main profession is as a doctor. His wines are pure and well defined, with freshness and elegance. A particular surprise is a Riesling, a variety he says he planted simply because he likes it. It’s full bodied, creamy textured and slightly salty, with all the energy and acid drive that a Riesling lover could want.