Dão is a Portuguese wine region situated in the Região Demarcada do Dão with the Dão-Lafões sub region of the Centro, Portugal. It is one of the oldest established wine regions in Portugal. Dão wine is produced in a mountainous region with a temperate climate, in the area of the Rio Mondego and Dão rivers in the north central region of Portugal. The region became a Denominação de Origem Controlada (DOC) appellation in 1908. The Dão region is the origin of the Touriga Nacional vine that is the principal component of port wine.

Climate and geography

The wine region is located primarily on a plateau that is sheltered on three sides by the granite mountain ranges of Serra da Estrela, Serra do Caramulo and Serra da Nave. This helps the area maintain its temperate climate away from the effects of the nearby Atlantic Ocean. The region experiences abundant rainfall in the winter months and long, warm dry summers leading up to harvest. The region's vineyards are planted on sandy well-drained soil on top of granite rock. Tinta Roriz, Jaen, Alfrocheiro Preto and Encruzado. 80% of the region's production is in red wines, with DOC regulations stipulating that at least 20% of the production must be from Touriga Nacional. Another reserve designation, Garrafeira, requires wines to be 0.5% higher in alcohol content than the 12.5% minimum and to spend at least two years in aging in oak. The maximum yield for red wine grapes is 70 hl/ha.

The red wines tend to be very tannic due to prolonged periods of maceration during winemaking. Many producers make liberal use of French and Portuguese oak. The style has been improving, with some producers concentrating on making more fruit-forward styles with smoother tannins.

  • Alva
  • Besteiros
  • Castendo
  • Serra da Estrela
  • Silgueiros
  • Terras de Azurara
  • Terras de Senhorim

See also

  • List of Portuguese wine regions

References

  • Spotlight on Portugal's Dão region