Venâncio da Costa Lima was born in 1892 in the town of Quinta do Anjo, at the heart of a modest family. His mother died when he was very young and he was raised by his aunt and uncle, on a farm. Due to his father’s profession (a butcher), Venâncio’s first job was as a livestock tradesman to the region’s butcheries.
He quickly diversified his business, trading essentially in agricultural products.
In 1914 he founded the Casa Agrícola Venâncio da Costa Lima, in Quinta do Anjo. Primarily focused on selling wine, olive oil and grain, the firm later specialised exclusively in the production and sale of wine.
Between the 1930’s and 1950’s, Venâncio da Costa Lima was the second largest wine producer in the region.
During his lifetime, he became a highly recognised and esteemed person in the region, occupying the following positions:
- Chief-leader of the Quinta do Anjo township
- Councilman of the Setúbal Municipality
- Mayor of Palmela (1937-1946), carrying out remarkable work for the Council
- Owner in the Agricultural and Restaurant industries
He died on November 1st 1956, at the age of 64. This being the date for the local celebrations in the town where he was born, that year they were cancelled entirely due to the great dismay that his death provoked in the region.
Because he was childless, Venâncio bequeathed the winery to his six nieces and nephews who, from that time on, specialised in this region´s wines (Moscatel, red and white). Having passed through four generations, this winery remains a family business, managing 3 million litres annually.
It is currently in an investment phase, rebuilding the entire production area.
Recently recognised as producer of the "Best Muscat in the World "- Muscats du Monde 2011, this company has projected its name on a large scale and works daily towards producing the best wines in the region.
Venancio da Costa Lima Winery
Venâncio da Costa Lima is one of the oldest wineries in the Palmela region, beginning its activity in 1914.
Still a family business, this winery is already in its fourth generation.
As a producer of Table Wines, Certified Wines (Setúbal Peninsula Regional wines & DO Palmela wines) and Setúbal Moscatel, this company maintains its goal: to produce wines that are current and modern, but always display the profile and characteristics of a wine from this region. We also produce what is considered one of this region’s ex-libris:
the Setúbal Moscatel.
Always striving to perfect the art of wine making, this company’s journey has involved constant technological modernisation, enabling the quality of our wines to evolve.
Recently recognised as producer of the Best Muscat in the World (Muscats du Monde 2011), this winery has invested in its portfolio, image and notoriety, working daily to build a company that is current and competitive.
Get to know our story and discover this region’s flavours!
Pioneiro Red Wine Vinho Regional Peninsula de Setubal is made from 60% Castelao (also known as Periquita), 30% Aragones and 10% Syrah
Aged 5 months in French oak barrels
The story of this wines begun more than a century ago, with the pioneering dream of Venâncio da Costa Lima: to bring good wines to every corner of Portugal. Pioneiro wine brand was created to pay homage to his vision.
What's Unique? Pioneiro (meaning “pioneer” in Portuguese) wine vintage style label pay homage to the founder’s dream, dating back to 1914. But in a relaxed, casual way, typical of this wine producer mood.
Intense garnet color, complex nose with touches of ripe fruit, jam and spices, full-bodied flavor and a very balanced finish.
Castelao: as the most widely-grown red grape variety in Portugal it is still often referred to in Portuguese as "Periquita" or "Joao de Santarem", although that name is legally owned by José Maria da Fonseca in the Setúbal Peninsula outside of Lisbon. It is highly adaptable to different climatic conditions and its remarkable versatility enables winemakers to make a range of wines – from the easy drinking and quaffable reds and rosados to the powerful and intense reds perfectly suited to lengthy cellaring. Castelão comes into its own and is most expressive in the Sétubal Peninsula, where it makes meaty and intense wines with aromas of red berries and blue flowers that marry well with the deft use of oak.
Made from 15 year old vines planted on sandy soils.
Classic vinification at controlled temperature (25 °C) with prolonged maceration for phenolic extraction. Wine went through malolactic fermentation.
It was aged 5 months in French Oak barrels.
Wine was slightly filtered before bottling to avoid sedimentation in the bottle and to ensure stability.
Pasta, Cheese, red meat and game.
Venancio da Costa Lima Palmela Reserva is made from 100% Castelao (also known as Periquita)
Intense garnet color, complex nose with touches of ripe fruit, jam and spices, full-bodied flavor and a very balanced finish.
100% Castelao (also known as "Periquita" and "Joao de Santarem". As the most widely-grown red grape variety in Portugal it is still often referred to in Portuguese as Periquita, although that name is legally owned by José Maria da Fonseca in the Setúbal Peninsula outside of Lisbon. It is highly adaptable to different climatic conditions and its remarkable versatility enables winemakers to make a range of wines – from the easy drinking and quaffable reds and rosados to the powerful and intense reds perfectly suited to lengthy cellaring. Castelão comes into its own and is most expressive in the Sétubal Peninsula, where it makes meaty and intense wines with aromas of red berries and blue flowers that marry well with the deft use of oak.
Made from 45 year old vines.
Classic vinification at controlled temperature (25 °C) with prolonged maceration for phenolic extraction. Wine went through malolactic fermentation.
Wine was slightly fitered before bottling to avoid sedimentation in the bottle and to ensure stability.
Pasta, Cheese, red meat and game.
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
Deep garnet in color with an aromatic medley of black cherry, marionberry, ripe plum and a hint of anise. Dark fruit on the palate with flavors of wild berries, caramelized oak and cacao nibs complemented by subtle notes of vanilla, cedar and a hint of lavender and forest floor. Rich and unrestrained, this wine’s abundant fruit is beautifully balanced by firm acidity and layers of red and black fruit.
Review:
Deep and dark aromas of black cherry, sandalwood and incense make for a heady nose on this bottling. The palate is big and bold, loaded with ripe black cherry and boysenberry flavors, as peppery, incense-like spices add complexity and the texture stays lusciously creamy.
-Wine Enthusiast 93 Points