Dao, Portugal

Dão, one of Portugal's oldest and most prestigious wine regions, is renowned for its elegant, balanced red and white wines, crafted from indigenous grape varieties and shaped by the region's unique granite soils and temperate climate.

Regional History & Terroir: Winemaking in the Dão region dates back over a thousand years, with monks in the Middle Ages contributing to the development of viticulture. Located in northern Portugal, the Dão region is sheltered by mountains, creating a temperate climate with cool nights and warm days, ideal for slow grape ripening. The terroir is defined by its granite-based soils, interspersed with sand and clay, which contribute to the minerality and finesse of the wines.

Typical Grape Varietals: Dão is home to many of Portugal's prized indigenous grape varieties. For red wines, Touriga Nacional, the flagship grape of Portugal, thrives in the Dão, producing structured and aromatic wines. Other important red varietals include Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Jaen (Mencía), Alfrocheiro, and Baga. White wines are often made from Encruzado, a highly regarded grape that produces fresh, mineral-driven wines. Other white varieties such as Malvasia Fina and Bical also contribute to the region's white blends.

Regional Wine Styles: Dão wines are known for their elegance, balance, and age-worthiness. Red wines from the Dão often showcase ripe red fruit flavors, floral aromas, and well-integrated tannins, with Touriga Nacional lending complexity and structure. These reds are typically lighter and more refined compared to other Portuguese regions, with a distinctive freshness and mineral quality. White wines from the Dão are equally renowned, particularly those made from Encruzado, which are vibrant, citrusy, and possess excellent aging potential, often developing complex flavors of nuts and honey over time. The region also produces fresh, dry rosés and increasingly popular sparkling wines.