Dão

A mountainous wine region in the north of central Portugal in the province of Beira

The Dao is, together with the Vinho Verde and the DOC Douro, one of the oldest appellations, and has the oldest classified red wine. It was the second Portuguese wine region to be demarcated in 1908. There are seven subregions within the Dão that can be indicated on labels together with Dão: These are, Alva, Besteiros, Castendo, Serra da Estrela, Silgueiros, Terras de Azurara and Terras de Senhorim.

According to some, a good Dao must be strong in the tannins, and have a robust character. Others say that a good Dao must have the velours of a Burgundy in addition to strength. Whatsoever, it's a DOC with an important tradition and wines that have a very large conservation potential. Because Dão is famous for its wood-roasted solid wines with high preservation potential, you would almost forget that other great white wines are also made here. In addition, more and more winegrowers in the region recognize that the modern consumer is more likely to be charmed by slightly lighter red wines. A wine style that slowly gains ground in the Dão

Dão is a wine region in Portugal's interior, located on the Dão River. It was the second Portuguese wine region that was demarcated in 1908. However, the quality of these wines was already known at the time of the creation of the kingdom in the 12th century when the clergy, and especially the monks of the Cistercians, played a major role in agriculture.

The vineyards of the Dão, with their slate or granite soil, are spread over this mountainous region. They are protected against the Atlantic wind by the mountain ranges of Buçaco, Caramulo, Montemuro and Estrela.

The wines have an alcohol content of 12º and ripen well, even on a bottle. The white wines have a lemon yellow color and a fruity aroma. The red wines are ruby red in color, have a full taste and a velvety structure and over time they have a distinctive bouquet. You can best evaluate these properties while visiting the Solar do Vinho do Dão in Viseu. This solar is housed in the former Episcopal palace of Fontelo. You can also taste wine in the wine cellars that you will encounter everywhere in the municipalities of Viseu, Mangualde, Nelas, Tondela, Sátão, Penalva do Castelo, Santa Comba Dão and Carregal do Sal

Typical white grapes from the region are

Bical

Cercial

Encruzado

Malvasia Fina

Typical red grapes from the region are

Alfrocheiro

Aragonez

Jaen

Rufete (Tinta Pinheira)

Tinto Cão

Touriga Nacional