Quinta dos Carvalhais Dao Tinto Reserva 2020

Quinta dos Carvalhais Dao Tinto Reserva 

Region: Dão, Portugal

Vintage: 2020

Bottle size: 75cl

Grape: 65% Touriga Nacional 20% Alfrocheiro 15% Tinta Roriz

ABV: 13%

Deep ruby in colour with intense aromas of blackberry, black cherry and wild berries and subtle hints of menthol and violet. On the palate, the black fruit flavours are combined with polished tannins and a lovely freshness from the acidity which carries the flavours onto the long and elegant finish.

This 105-hectare estate, situated at an altitude of 465 to 500 metres above sea level, has 50 hectares under vine. Warm days and cool nights at this altitude slow down the grape ripening process and result in wines with lovely depth yet vibrant fruit and a signature freshness. The vineyards are planted on poor granite soils with a predominance of indigenous Dão varieties. Microzoning studies have been carried out on the estate, identifying nine different soil types and a multitude of different microclimates, and each grape variety has been matched to its ideal plot. This precision viticulture provides Beatriz with a great diversity of blending options. All of the vineyards are farmed sustainably and harvesting is carried out by hand.

Quinta dos Carvalhais is located in the Terras de Senhorim sub-region, in the heart of the Dão. The 105-hectare estate, with 50 hectares under vine, was purchased by the Guedes family in 1988. They invested a huge amount into improvements in both the vineyards and the winery – and are credited with spearheading the quality renaissance of wines from the Dão in the early ‘90s. Following decades of state control and a co-operative monopoly in the region that favoured quantity over quality, they replanted the region’s indigenous grape varieties, such as Touriga Nacional and Encruzado, and saved them from near extinction.