Discovering the Essence of Dao: A Tale of Terroir and Tradition

Welcome to the enchanting region of Dao, nestled in the heart of Portugal. Here, in this idyllic landscape, lies a winery that weaves together a story of history, geography, climate, and its native grape varieties. Join us on a journey through time and taste as we unveil the essence of Dao.

The Dao, located in the central part of Portugal, is a wine region blessed with a unique blend of elements that contribute to its exceptional wines. The region's diverse terroir creates the perfect environment for cultivating grapes with distinct character and complexity. As we delve deeper into the secrets of Dao, we discover that terroir encompasses more than just soil and climate—it encompasses the soul of the land.

Our winery, situated amidst rolling hills and lush valleys, is surrounded by an awe-inspiring tapestry of nature. The Dao and the Mondego rivers flows gracefully through the landscape, the former lending its name to the region. The latter plays a vital role in shaping our terroir, as it carves deep granite valleys and deposits rich alluvial soils that nurture the vines. These soils, combined with the region's elevation, offer excellent drainage and impart a unique minerality to the wines.

The Dao region's climate is a harmonious balance of influences from the Serra da Estrela mountain range as well as the Caramulo mountains and to a lesser extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the continental climate to the west. Cool northern breezes temper the warm summer days overnight, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and develop rich flavors while retaining fresh acidity. The vineyards, often planted on slopes facing southeast, bask in ample sunlight, providing the ideal conditions for the grapes to thrive.

As we explore the vineyards, we encounter an extraordinary treasure—the native grape varieties of Dao. These indigenous grapes have been cultivated here for centuries and have adapted harmoniously to the region's terroir. One such variety is Touriga Nacional, renowned for its robust character and ability to produce wines with intense aromas of dark fruits and floral notes. Encruzado, an elegant white grape, flourishes in Dao's higher altitude vineyards, producing wines of remarkable freshness and complexity.

While Touriga Nacional and Encruzado are the region's stars, Dao boasts a tapestry of other local varieties, each contributing its own distinct personality to the wines. Jaen, Tinta Roriz, and Alfrocheiro are among the red grapes that add depth, structure, and complexity, while Bical and Cercial enhance the whites with their crisp acidity and delicate flavors.

At our winery, we honor the rich heritage of Dao by combining traditional winemaking practices with modern techniques. Our winemakers handcraft each wine with meticulous care, allowing the grapes to express the true essence of the terroir. We believe that the wines of Dao embody the spirit of the land and carry within them the stories of generations past.

As you savor our wines, you embark on a sensory journey that encapsulates the captivating geography, the inviting climate, and the exceptional native grape varieties of Dao. With each sip, you taste the earthy minerality of the soils, the gentle whisper of the river, and the sun-kissed flavors that linger on your palate.

Come, explore Dao with us, and uncover the magic that lies within its vineyards. Experience the beauty of its terroir in every bottle. Raise your glass to the extraordinary wines that capture the essence of Dao and toast to the timeless traditions that have shaped this remarkable wine region.