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Geography & Climate
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The wine region of Dão is one of the oldest and most prestigious regions in Portugal. Located in the central part of the country, mainly encompassing the districts of Viseu and Guarda, Dão is known for the production of full-bodied and elegant red wines, as well as some high-quality white wines.
The flagship grape variety of the Dão region is Touriga Nacional, a red grape that produces concentrated, aromatic, and long-lasting wines. Other traditional red grape varieties include Tinta Roriz (also known as Tempranillo), Jaen (also called Mencia), Alfrocheiro Preto, and Baga. For white wines, notable grape varieties include Encruzado, Malvasia Fina, Bical, and Cercial.
The Dão region has a long tradition of producing quality wines. However, it was only in the 1990s that the region underwent significant revitalization, with winemakers and producers adopting modern winemaking techniques and investing in vineyard improvements. This has resulted in increasingly refined wines that are internationally recognized.
Dão wines are known for their balanced structure, vibrant acidity, and notes of ripe red fruits, spices, and mineral undertones. They tend to have good aging potential, developing complexity and smoothness over the years.
The wine region of Dão is also known for its stunning landscape, with vineyards arranged in terraces, surrounded by mountains and forests. This natural beauty, combined with the quality of the wines, makes Dão an interesting destination for wine tourism, offering visitors the opportunity to explore wineries, taste local wines, and enjoy the culture and gastronomy of the region.
In summary, the wine region of Dão is an area of great tradition and quality in wine production in Portugal.
The wine region of Dão in Portugal has distinct geography and climate that influence wine production in the area.
Geographically, Dão is located in the central region of Portugal. The region is surrounded by mountains, with Serra da Estrela being the most prominent. This mountain range protects Dão from Atlantic winds and creates a sort of microclimate within the region. The terrain is characterized by hills and steep slopes, where vineyards are planted in terraces to take advantage of sun exposure and different altitudes. The predominant soils in Dão are of granitic origin, which give the wines a distinct minerality and contribute to flavor complexity.
As for the climate, Dão is classified as a continental climate with Atlantic influence. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C, while winters are cold and rainy, with temperatures dropping below freezing. These climatic variations throughout the seasons are favorable for the slow and balanced ripening of grapes, resulting in high-quality wines. The Atlantic influence is felt through the proximity of the ocean, which brings some humidity and mitigates extreme temperatures. On the other hand, Serra da Estrela acts as a natural barrier against stronger winds, protecting the vineyards.
These geographical and climatic characteristics of Dão contribute to the production of high-quality wines in the region. The cultivated grape varieties adapt well to these conditions, resulting in full-bodied and elegant red wines with good acidity, as well as fresh and aromatic white wines.
In summary, the wine region of Dão has a mountainous geography with granitic soils, and a continental climate with Atlantic influence, characterized by hot and dry summers and cold and rainy winters. These conditions provide a conducive environment for the cultivation of quality grapes and the production of distinct and flavorful wines.
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