Protected from the Atlantic winds by the Marão mountain massif, the Baixo Cargo catchment area, formed by rugged, tight valleys, has a unique microclimate which, combined with the nature of its schist soil, allows vineyards cultivated using traditional processes to produce grapes of excellent quality. In the 18th century, in 1756, the unique characteristics of the region led the Marquis of Pombal to establish the Douro Demarcated Region, the first region in the world to be defined and regulated in order to protect the inimitable qualities of the wines produced there. It is also worth mentioning that the municipality of Vila Real is home to several wines whose quality is known and recognised internationally. An example of this is the famous Mateus Rosé, which since its inception has carried the famous Casa de Mateus on its label, and, more recently, the wines of the Adega de Vila Real, which has been distinguished nationally and internationally in various speciality competitions.