he uniqueness of the Dão wine region lies in its specific terroir, but also its commitment to local indigenous varietals. In this edition of ‘Taste Tips’ we explore the characteristics of the grapes that make up the tapestry of Dão vineyards.
White Varieties
ENCRUZADO
So far this grape is only grown, practically, in the Dão region, where has the primacy among the white grape varieties. The bunch of grapes is small and compact, the grape berries are medium-sized, heterogeneous and slightly flattened and its epidermis is yellowish-green, with average bloom. The pulp, in its turn, has a very unique falvour,it is soft and juicy. It is a medium maturing variety its production is regular. The wines have a strong citrus colour with good alcoholic content and a great delicacy, elegance and aromatic complexity,with vegetables, floral and mineral notes. The wines are fine and elegant in taste, denoting an outstanding balance alcohol/acidity. Great potential for ageing, surprising for its freshness and persistence in the mouth where aromas and flavours of hazelnut, pine nuts and pine resin come out. It is the most balanced grape variety at Dão.
Aromas: Citrus, Mineral, Violet, Vegetal, Rose, Resin
Pairings: Grilled fatty fish, cod, full flavoured seafood, stewed white meat, risotto, sharp cheese, game birds
MALVASIA FINA
It is a very cosmopolitan grape variety, diffused by almost all wine-growing regions of Portugal. It finds at Dão good weather conditions that allow to express all its potential, that's why this is the most produced in the region. The bunch of grapes is medium and loose and the grapes are small, heterogeneous and with yellowish green epidermis with average bloom. It has a premature maturation. Enables obtaining citrine colour wines , with intense aromas, although simple, dominated by floral tones, with balanced acidity and an elegant final, though average persistence. Has a good potential for ageing, with wines presenting an extraordinary bouquet, where the colour turns to yellow-straw, and highlighting the complexity of its aromas associated with a fineness, balance and elegance. Blended with other Dão grapes, prints a peculiar pattern and the personality of the white wines of the region.
Main Aromas: Floral, stone fruit, nutmeg, wax, smoke
CERCEAL BRANCO
This grape variety presents, in Dão, different oenological characteristics compared to other wine-growing regions of Portugal. It is the region's most productive grape variety but is considered the most late one in terms of production. The bunch of grapes is medium and compact and the grape berries are medium size, uniform, rounded, with yellowish green epidermis and averaging bloom. The flesh is soft and juicy. Presents a regular production, median levels of sugar and high acidity. This grape variety produces wines with citrus colour, intense and delicate fruit aroma, showing lots of vivacity in flavour, result of an acid imbalance that is characteristic of this grape variety. It is usually mixed with other grape varieties which provides wines acidity and particular aromas.
BICAL
Is a widespread grape variety in the center of Portugal and known for its great precocity. The bunch is medium and loose in size and has grape berries relatively small, heterogeneous and with green skin and yellowish medium bloom. Its pulp, not coloured, is juicy and with a distinctive flavour, while its maturation is the premature type with regular production. If the grapes are harvested at the right time, the wines will be citrus coloured, with complex aromas with good citrus fruit, fine, relatively dry and elegant, with good alcohol content and low acidity.
Main Aromas: Papaya, peach, apricot, mango
Pairings: Fatty fish dishes, seafood
