#Japan #Tokyo #Wine Tourism #Antonio Maçanita #Madeira Wine

Antonio Maçanita's New Venture in Madeira Wine

Renowned Portuguese winemaker Antonio Maçanita has embarked on an ambitious new project, introducing his remarkable wines from the Madeira archipelago to the Japanese market. Recognized as one of the most impactful winemakers in Portugal, Maçanita's career has been distinguished by accolades, including the prestigious 'Winemaker of the Year' title in 2018.

A Journey Through Experience

Before establishing himself as a pioneer in Portuguese winemaking, Maçanita honed his craft in prestigious wineries in the U.S., including mentorship roles with iconic brands such as Opus One and Robert Mondavi. Furthermore, he refined his skills at Château Lynch-Bages in France, returning to Portugal to engage in multiple winery projects and support numerous others through his consulting business, WINE ID.

A Master of Regional Rebranding

What sets Antonio apart is his ability to leverage wine as a catalyst for regional rebranding. By unearthing the latent potential of different regions, he brings forth quality wines while boosting local economies to create a sustainable impact.

Achievements in the Azores

In the Azores, Maçanita's work has transformed the islands’ perception from merely a tourist destination into a hub for high-quality wines. He focused on volcanic terroirs and indigenous varietals, successfully creating top-tier wines that amplified their local appeal. Along with promoting wine tourism, he collaborated with over 20 local farmers to revive 100 hectares of abandoned vineyards. As a result, transaction prices for grapes in places like Pico Island soared from €0.80 per kilogram to €5.00 per kilogram, reflecting the project's success.

Innovations in Alentejo

In Alentejo, where quantity often outstripped quality, Maçanita recognized the historical significance of amphorae – traditional clay vessels once used for winemaking. He introduced Portugal's first white wine aged in amphora, shifting the region's narrative toward high-value production and showcasing its potential for premium wines.

Advancements in Douro

Douro, known for its sweet fortified Port wines, also saw a renaissance thanks to Maçanita's work. By cultivating ancient vines and adopting mixed planting techniques, he developed a new line of dry wines that further established Douro’s reputation as a premier wine region.

Introducing Profetas e Villões

The inspiration for the Profetas e Villões project arose during a visit to Porto Santo Island, part of the Madeira archipelago. On this island, which lies mere kilometers from the famous Madeira Island, Maçanita discovered indigenous grape varieties that survived the phylloxera crisis that devastated European vineyards. He founded Profetas to harness the unique microclimate and volcanic soil of Madeira to create wines characterized by low alcohol and distinctive flavors. Within just a few years of its launch, Profetas wines gained global acclaim, embodying the unique identity of the Madeira archipelago.

Exciting Releases for Japanese Market

Antonio Maçanita has unveiled a range of exquisite wines set for release in Japan, showcasing the finest selections:

• - 2024 Rosé dos Villões (D.O.P. Madeirense) - ¥5,170 (750ml)
• - 2024 Tinta Negra dos Villões (I.G.P. Terras Madeirense) - ¥7,590 (750ml)
• - 2024 Sercial dos Villões (D.O.P. Madeirense) - ¥8,580 (750ml)
• - 2024 Verdelho dos Villões (D.O.P. Madeirense) - ¥8,580 (750ml)
• - 2024 Caracol dos Profetas (D.O.P. Madeirense) - ¥8,580 (750ml)
• - 2023 Listrao dos Profetas (Port Santo, D.O. Madeirense) - ¥17,050 (750ml)

For inquiries about these new releases, please reach out to: [email protected].

Exploring Wine Plus

Wine Plus, established in 2022, provides a platform that allows enthusiasts to 'buy,' 'drink,' 'learn about,' and 'connect through wine.' This multifaceted space offers courses led by top sommeliers and imports fine wines from around the world, embodying a comprehensive wine experience.

Explore more about Wine Plus at Wine Plus Website.