More than selling more, the issue into a matter of honour. We had long felt the need to transform each bottle of wine into a speaker of grandfather’s story, representing the experience that he has so devotedly passed from generation to generation and also to showcase the legitimacy of the region, Beira Interior, as a producer of wines of excellence. The clarity of this idea circulated in our minds but was not yet reflected in the face of our family-produced wine. Some might already have known the test notes, but many still did not feel invited to taste it. With the increase in production, the possibility of exporting and the presence in the fairs and new points of sale, this idea began to win outlines of commitment to our current and potential consumers. Conveying our reason for existing in a clear, inspiring and noble way was a duty of respect for those who appreciated good wine in general, or Monte Barbo in particular. And because luck does not favour those who wait for it, we could no longer postpone the decision to invest in a mission: to seek out those who drew our soul, illustrate our quality and write the history of this wine, turning the Monte Barbo bottles into a proposal of all the value that it has within.
We found that although we had labels, we did not have a brand, and that it is essential to differentiate in order to have an impact on the market. "A brand is an idea. An idea that is built in the mind of the consumer. But ideas do not exist until they become tangible." Susana, the creative director of Oland, the multidisciplinary design and communication studio we have been working with told us. And that was just the beginning of the conversation. We told our story, talked about values such as excellence, resilience, dedication and familiarity and from them the creative studio team distilled the briefing to start the creative process.
Contrary to what many may judge, the creation of a brand is a meticulous process. It's not just about testing colors and letters and draw something out. It has criteria, requirements, rules, objectives. A creative process begins with a strategy for the brand, which should culminate on an insight (something that makes us look at the subject from a new and original angle). From the insight, concepts are generated and from each concept can several ideas can grow (the necessary tangibilizations to understand the message we want to convey). There are no colors by chance, it is not a matter of personal taste but rather of defining the personality of the brand, beauty is not discussed because it is a given. Harmony and aesthetic balance as well as design with purpose and focus, business notion, concern with goals and respect for the product are guaranteed points when we turn to creative design and communication professionals. And the difference it does, means many points in favor of the business.
The essence of the brand was defined and translated into a clear concept: The strength of the interior. It was then necessary to externalize this power of inner strength that makes us human, superhuman, and at the same time represents a region whose strength and quality is proudly recognized. The graphic universe of Monte Barbo labels is inspired by mythical elements (talking about a nectar of the gods) combined with noble graphic motifs and organic complements. The growth is symbolized in graphic plots inspired by the vines and present in the triangular shapes of the traces. The mountains that protect the production of Monte Barbo were personified in robust faces, as if they were guardians. Organic trace roots adorn graphic ornaments of noble aesthetics. Rigor and harmony are in the balance of of the label, fertile in visual expression.
The result is a proud, opulent and timeless brand, like the soul we have when we do something greater than everything we are.
However, the enthusiasm of a new generation of producers coupled with favorable production conditions and a market that increasingly legitimizes these wines at the table, motivated this bet. We believed that the "what for?" should give way to "why not?". And so, in 2016, for the sake of experience, a batch of 1000 bottles of Monte Barbo Rosé was produced. Little did we know that we were creating a thousand reasons to continue, since the lot has quickly sold out. Inspired, we have triplicated the production of this delicate wine that today proudly joins the Monte Barbo portfolio. We will continue the production, to the rhythm of the acceptance and the our capacity, without ever letting the rush overcome quality.
Monte Barbo Rosé perfectly accompanies pasta and grilled white meats. It is the ideal conversation starter to have at the table, especially on days when the Mediterranean character of our climate is felt in all its splendor.
More information:
Grade: 13%
varieties: Touriga Nacional.
Winemaking: Open spout with 40% selection of the must.
Tasting Notes: Pale pink color, fruity aroma with notes of red fruits (strawberry and raspberry). In the mouth is balanced with gentle freshness.
Operating Temperature: 10ºC
In early spring, in March, we were confronted with morning frosts, more specifically in our vineyard of Monte Trigo (Alicante Bouschet). Although they had not caused great damage, they dictated a later ripening. In the remaining grape varieties, fortunately, the good temperatures and the non-exposure to the frosts allowed a sane awakening of the vine, with the sprouting anticipation, comparing to the previous year. Throughout the year and with the drought that was happening, we were forced to increase our irrigation period, anticipating it and extending it practically until the harvest. There has always been, throughout the year, a constant care in the prevention and follow-up of disease onset. Monte Barbo is family-owned and this translates into being treated as a member of the family. For the family, we do everything.
With the rapid vegetative development of the vineyard, an early flowering and a good birth of the fruit, harvests started in the last week of August. They were done manually, they had the excellent collaboration of local workers and lasted 10 days, a number that ended up also dictating the increase of our production: it is expected to grow 10%, especially in red wine. We emphasize the demanding year in agricultural terms, spectacular grapes, spectacular team, top-quality wines that were presented on 5 fairs and the news boom that follows: in 2018 we will export Monte Barbo to Luxembourg.