Buried underground, before Napoleon could catch it.
When it came to drinking wine, it seems Napoleon rarely ventured beyond his familiar red Burgundy. But when it came to conquering empires, he was known for going a little further.
That is how his army reached the small locality of what is now the village of Boticas, in Trás-os-Montes (Portugal), during the second French invasion, in 1809.
The curious thing is that, even if the emperor had been a masterful sommelier, he would not have found the bottles the locals produced. Because they had been hidden. More than hidden: buried. Can you imagine? Right under their feet.
One of the people’s most precious possessions rested beneath the granitic soil until it was safe; escaping pillaging and fermenting in the dark, under constant temperatures. That is how it received the name Wine of the Dead (Vinho dos Mortos). Later, when they dug up the bottles and opened them to celebrate the good death (of the conflict), they discovered that the wine had acquired unique and unexpected properties: low alcohol content and a subtle effervescence.
Now here we are, more than 200 years later, with a very, very small annual production of numbered bottles.
Santé.
Ra-Ro Index: Unique › learn more
Frequently asked questions
What is this piece?
Vinho dos Mortos from Boticas, Trás-os-Montes: fermented buried in the dark, low in alcohol with subtle effervescence. Unique, numbered bottle.
Which region is it from?
It comes from Trás os Montes, in Portugal. At Ra-Ro, every piece is tied to its origin and to the territory where it is made.
Who makes this piece?
It is made by Vinho dos Mortos, the producer Ra-Ro works with directly for this piece.
What technique is used?
This piece is made using the Destilados e Fermentados technique.
Are all pieces identical?
As a handmade piece, it may vary slightly from one example to another. That variation is part of its authenticity.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, Ra-Ro ships worldwide.
How do returns work?
You have 14 days for a free return.
Is payment secure?
Yes, all payments are processed securely and encrypted.
Type > Red
Vintage > 2024
Grape Varieties > Mostly Bastardo, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, and Touriga Franca
Altitude > 500 meters
Production > 750 ml numbered bottles – Lot 1 of 2,666 bottles and Lot 2 of 2,933 bottles
Diâmetro > 9 cm
Altura > 27 cm
Storage
Wine bottles should be stored horizontally, in a cool, dark, and stable place, without temperature variations.
The temperature should not exceed 24º C.
The space should have good ventilation, low humidity, and be free of vibrations.
Serving Suggestion
For the best tasting experience, it is recommended to serve at a temperature of 15º C.
