Mainova, Mainada Arinto, Alentejo

Kernowine is the co-importer of Mainova wines into the UK - please email del@kernowine.co.uk for more information.

Wine Type: White

Grape(s): Arinto

Country: Portugal

Region: Alentejo

Organic: Yes

Vegan: Yes

ABV: 12%

Winery: Mainova was born in Herdade da Fonte Santa, in the Alentejo region of Portugal, a land shaped over centuries, where schist and granite meet in a rare ecosystem. But it was the perspective of a new generation that brought this story to life.

She was the youngest daughter of the founding family, and along with her husband, they decided to return to their roots and bring to life a project with purpose: creating authentic, sustainable wines and olive oils full of character. They believed it was possible to innovate while respecting the land, traditions, and family memory.

More than 20 hectares of vineyards, in the heart of the Alentejo region, are entirely cultivated using organic production methods - a firm commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and the future of agriculture. They plant only traditional Portuguese grape varieties, which authentically reflect the character of their terroir and the identity of the region.

The harvest is done manually and at night to preserve the freshness and natural aromas of the grapes, allowing for more rigorous selection and absolute care in every step. The grapes go directly to the winery, where everything is done delicately: bottling in the presses and vats is done by gravity, respecting the integrity of the fruit.

In the winery, intervention is minimal and knowledge is essential. They prioritise spontaneous fermentations, low levels of sulfites, and attentive work that follows the natural rhythm of each wine.

Regarding the bottle, they also remain true to their principles: they use 100% recycled glass, recycled paper or paper with a high percentage of cotton, and they seal with wax instead of traditional capsules - a more durable option with less environmental impact. The DIAM corks they choose guarantee stability and preserve the aromatic expression of each wine over time. At Mainova, every decision - from the vineyard to the label - is made with awareness, attention to detail and respect for nature. Integrated production is based on good agricultural practices that value the natural mechanisms of the ecosystem, minimising the use of chemicals and reducing environmental impact. This model promotes soil balance, the well-being of local fauna and flora, and invests in efficient resource management, with continuous team training.

They generate some of their own energy through solar panels, reducing the carbon footprint of the winery and agricultural operations. They also have a wastewater treatment plant that allows them to reuse the water used in the winery for irrigating the olive grove and vineyard.

Just as they care for the land, they care about the choices they make in the packaging of their products:

• Wine bottles weighing only 370 grams, significantly lighter and with a smaller environmental impact.
• 100% recycled and recyclable glass
• Labels and boxes made with recycled paper or with a high percentage of cotton.
• FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) on transport boxes
• Seals instead of capsules on wine bottles
• Recycled paper adhesive tape, plastic-free.
• Biological and biodegradable packaging film
• Bag-in-Box with 60% less plastic compared to the traditional bottle.
• Reusable ceramic bottle, made in Portugal, with recycled glass.

Winemaking: Grown on schist and granite, the Arinto grapes were hand-harvested, sorted by hand on a sorting table and gravity-fed into the press in whole bunches. Fermentation was spontaneous in French oak barrels. It was then aged in stainless steeL

Tasting Notes: This has subtle citrus notes on the nose including lime and lemon blossom. On the palate it's fresh, with good acidity and mouthfeel with lime and lemon flavours. 

Food pairing: Perfect served with white fish, shellfish and soft-ripened cheeses.