⛰️Dão is quickly becoming the most sought-after region for Portuguese winemakers to venture into. Why? According to many, it’s one of the world’s most perfect microclimates: mountains protect it from continental heat to the east and Douro’s heat to north, and cool Atlantic breezes come inland to keep the overall temperatures more regulated, making for wines with bright acidity, ethereal aromatics, and compelling complexity. The DO’s granite and quartz soils let indigenous grapes like Encruzado, Alvarelhao, Tinta Pinheira, Touriga Naçional, Jaen, Alfrocheiro and Tinta Amarela shine through in the wines, and provide firm, crunchy tannin against the bright fruit. All that said, there is no modern Dão without one of the region’s longtime legends, Alvaro Castro, whose estate encompasses two small properties (or “quintas”) known as Pellada and Saes. Alvaro makes wine here with his daughter Maria, carrying on a tradition of winemaking on this property that dates to the 16th century! Together, they have resisted the internationalization of the 80s and 90s, instead doubling down on their slow-wine approach, using local varieties grown and crafted in the true Dão “field blend” style. ☀️If you’re excited about exploring Portuguese wine (who isn’t?) and want to taste the benchmark for this pristine, exciting region, there’s no better place to begin than with the Castros’ wines from Pellada and Saes. DM us to find a retailer near you! #dao #portugal #portuguesewine #quintadapellada #pellada&saes #wine #winelover #familywinery