A special look into Divai.
Legendary winemaker Luis Duarte.
DIVAI
Created in 2014, DIVAI wines are produced in our Estate “Herdade dos Casarões”, located near the historical village of Estremoz , on the magical landscape of Alentejo, a wine region for more than 2000 years.
DIVAI is a Swahili word, which means “Wine” and comes from the influence of French colonization of Madagascar. The French spoke about wine, referring to it as “du vin”. And for the locals it sound like “divai”. As they didn’t have any word for wine, something that was unknown until then for them, they started to use that expression to name the wine.
Winemaker
Luís Duarte started working at the Esporão Homestead in 1987, and worked there for 18 years, and was responsible for the launch of brands such as the”Monte Esporão” and the “Vinho da Defesa.”
His talent is also linked to the launch of other highly reputable brands such as the “Quinta do Mouro” “Herdade Grande”, “Herdade da Malhadinha Nova,” “Herdade de São Miguel,” “Herdade das Servas” and “Dona Maria”.
Luís Duarte was awarded twice the 'Winemaker of the Year' (1997 and 2007) by the Portuguese Wine Magazine, was nominated for the “Best Winemaker in the World” at the 2010 Prowein Awards by wine Magazine 'Der Feinschmecker', won 3 trophies at the International Wine Challenge contest in 2005 with ‘Malhadinha Tinto 2003 ' wine and was also the winner of the contest ‘Talha de Ouro' in the Best Wines Production in the Alentejo contest.
Luís Duarte is a thorough professional winemaker with global vision of the World of Wine. Possesses a unique talent, creates aromas and flavors that allude to other places, other times and other worlds. The Divai was born out of his creativity.