Ego, Mumadona, Deo devota et humilis famula, considerans fragilitatem vitae humanae et desiderans salutem animae meae, ordino atque confirmo hanc meam ultimam voluntatem.
Item,
concedo in villa Mortaria, sita in territorio Vimaranensi, terras cultas et incultas, vineas, prata et pascua, cum domibus, molendinis et aquis, sicut mihi iure hereditario obvenerunt. Haec omnia dono et confirmo sub potestate monasterii Sanctae Mariae Vimaranensis, ut monachi et servi Dei ibi laborent et vivant secundum regulam sanctam, sine ullo impedimento saeculari.
Nemo ergo, neque rex, neque princeps, neque aliqua potestas terrena, hanc donationem infringere aut auferre a monasterio praesumat. Quod si quis hoc attentare voluerit, sit maledictus et excommunicatus, et pars eius sit cum Iuda proditore in inferno, nisi digna poenitentia resipuerit.
Facta carta testamenti in Vimaranis, sub era DCCCCLXXI (971).
Testes huius rei sunt:
I, Mumadona, a devotee of God and humble servant, considering the fragility of human life and desiring the salvation of my soul, order and confirm this my last will.
Furthermore, I grant in the village of Morteira, located in the territory of Guimarães, cultivated and uncultivated lands, vineyards, meadows, and pastures, with houses, mills, and waters, as they were passed down to me by hereditary right. All of this I give and confirm under the authority of the Monastery of Santa Maria de Guimarães, so that the monks and servants of God may work and live there in accordance with the holy rule, without any secular interference.
Let no one, neither king, nor prince, nor any earthly power, dare to violate or remove this donation from the monastery. And if anyone should attempt to do so, let them be cursed and excommunicated, and let their portion be with Judas, the traitor, in hell, unless they repent with worthy penance.
Written and sealed in Guimarães, in the year of our Lord 971.
In the year of our Lord 971, the noble and devout Mumadona, recognizing the brevity of life and the eternal value of faith, made a solemn bequest. Mumadona granted the lands of Morteira, nestled in the heart of Guimarães, to the Monastery of Santa Maria. These lands, rich with vineyards, fertile fields, and flowing waters, were entrusted to the monks, ensuring that they would cultivate and labor in accordance with the sacred rule, free from worldly interference.
Through the centuries, the vineyards of Morteira flourished under monastic care. Despite wars, shifting rulers, and the changing tides of history, the monks and stewards of the land remained steadfast in their sacred duty—tending the vines, pressing the grapes, and crafting wines worthy of their divine mission.
The 11th to 15th Century: Resilience and Growth
Through medieval strife and feudal battles, the vineyards persisted, protected by the solemn decree of Mumadona. The monks refined their winemaking techniques, introducing new methods that enhanced the richness of their craft. Even as kingdoms rose and fell, the wine of Morteira remained a beacon of tradition.
The 16th to 18th Century: A Heritage Shared
With the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery, the wines of Morteira found their way beyond the monastery walls, gracing the tables of nobles and travelers alike. Though political upheaval threatened the sacred trust, the land endured, safeguarded by the unwavering commitment of those who labored upon it.
The 19th Century: A Changing World
As monastic influence waned and new landowners took stewardship, the spirit of Morteira's legacy endured. Generations of vintners upheld the traditions passed down through the ages, ensuring that each harvest honored the vision of its original benefactress.
The 20th and 21st Century: A Tradition Reborn
Modern times brought new challenges, but also new opportunities. With innovation and respect for heritage, the vineyards of Morteira continue to thrive. The same lands once gifted in devotion now produce wines that pay homage to their storied past.
A Toast to the Future
From Mumadona’s solemn decree to the present day, Morteira has remained a symbol of unwavering dedication and craftsmanship. Every bottle holds the essence of history, a testament to a millennium of passion, faith, and the enduring art of winemaking. Raise a glass, and taste the legacy of Morteira.
