For the last twenty years, the Portuguese region of Dão is working to prove that it can make high quality wines with aristocratic grapes thanks to the dedication of a group of small producers.
The mountainous region of Dão is 80 kilometers south of the Douro region. The vineyards are settled on an elevated granitic plateau surrounded by mountains. The vines spread on the slopes and hills less steeped to reach the height of 700 meters. The climatic conditions are optimal for vine growing with cold rainy winters, warm and dry summers and diurnal temperature variation, which allow a top quality wine production.
Since the 1990's and the accession into the European Community, the vineyards were fixed up with a reorganisation of the cooperatives to make lesser yields and to raise the quality. During this period, the winemakers planted a few aristocratic Portuguese varieties like Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro and Jaen.
Best grapes in the Dao regions
The Dão wines are some of the most promising and could be ranked in the future among the best Portuguese wines. The typical red wines have a deep ruby color, smooth tannins well integrated with the intense ripe red fruit, and a high acidity excellent for a long ageing period in the bottle. The best red wines reveal the floral notes of Touriga Nacional.
The white wines, often made of Encruzado, are full-bodied, refreshing thanks to the crisp acidity and wildly perfumed.
Best producers in Dão
The most interesting wine estates of Dão are Sogrape, Boas Quintas, Quinta dos Carvalhais and Quinta dos Roques.
