Dão Wine: Wine Region, Encruzado & Difference from Douro

Dão wine hails from the heart of Portugal: from a high plateau around the city of Viseu, surrounded by mountains and built on granite. This results in wines with great freshness, moderate alcohol, and a fine acidity. The Dão wine region is also home to the Encruzado, a white grape variety that is only grown here. Granite is more commonly associated with the Gotthard in Switzerland than with a wine glass. It's worth taking a second look here.

Where is the Dão wine region located?

The Dão is located in central Portugal, south of the Douro and east of the Bairrada. The region is a plateau, framed by the Serra do Caramulo, the Serra da Estrela, and the Serra da Nave. The mountains partially shield the vines from the Atlantic and the continental climate.

The Dão was officially demarcated on September 18, 1908, along with the Vinho Verde.The DOC Dão comprises seven subregions: Alva, Besteiros, Castendo, Serra da Estrela, Silgueiros, Terras de Azurara, and Terras de Senhorim.

Why does Dão wine taste so fresh?

Primarily due to the altitude.

The vines are planted between approximately 200 meters in the lower areas and up to 1,000 meters on the slopes of Serra da Estrela.

The soil is sparse: predominantly very poor granite soils.

At higher altitudes, it cools significantly at night. This preserves the acidity in the grapes.

Overall, classic Dão wine is more elegant than powerful. A winemaker from the region described his wines to Decanter magazine as "agile like a lizard." That sums it up quite well.

What is Encruzado and how does it taste?

Encruzado is the most important white grape variety in Dão.It originates from the region, and its cultivation is currently limited to the Dão. Wines of Portugal ranks it among the best white varieties in the country.

Typical are delicate notes of rose and violet, some citrus, and a hint of resin. Depending on the location, a distinct minerality is added. The variety maintains sugar and acidity almost perfectly balanced, and it can age for a long time.

The direct comparison is shown by two varietal Encruzados from Código, both from granite soils. The CRU 2024 is entirely matured in stainless steel tanks and ages for 7 to 9 months on the fine lees. The Encruzado 2023 includes maturation in wooden barrels.

For those trying Encruzado for the first time, start with the CRU for CHF 23. Try the barrel-aged wine for CHF 39 afterwards. This way, you can notice what the wood does to the variety. How Encruzado compares to Alvarinho, Arinto, and Loureiro is detailed in the article on Portugal's white grape varieties.

Which grape varieties characterize the red Dão wine?

In Dão, red wine is the main focus.Four varieties consistently appear:

• Touriga Nacional: intense, both floral and fruity; Dão and Douro both claim to be its home
• Jaen: fragrant, with notes of blackberry and cherry, soft and round; according to DNA analyses, identical to the Spanish Mencía
• Alfrocheiro: originates from Dão, rich in color, blackberry and ripe strawberry, fine tannins
• Tinta Roriz: known in Spain as Tempranillo, adds structure

More about the queen of Portugal can be found in the article on Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Baga.

Most Dão red wines are blends. The Portal da Estrela Tinto 2023 combines all four varieties and matures in cement tanks. The Código Or1gem Tinto 2023 focuses on Jaen, Tinta Roriz, Baga, and Touriga Nacional, with the Baga aged for a year in a large chestnut wood barrel.

Dão or Douro: What is the difference?

The two regions are neighbors, both mountainous, both focus on Touriga Nacional. The major difference lies in the soil: granite in Dão, slate in Douro.

	Dão	Douro
Soil	Granite, sandy	Schist
Landscape	High plateau between mountains	Steep terraces by the river
Red wine style	Mostly fresh and elegant	Mostly ripe and concentrated
Known for	Dry red and white wines, Encruzado	Port wine and dry red wines
Demarcated since	1908	1756

There is a reason why the Dão remained under the radar for a long time.Since the 1940s, cooperatives had a monopoly on the grapes of the region. It was only when Portugal approached the EU that this rule fell. Since then, more wineries have been bottling under their own name. The overview of all major regions is provided in the article on the Wine Regions of Portugal.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dão Wine

What is Dão Wine?

Wine from the DOC Dão in central Portugal. The vines grow on granite soils between approximately 200 and 1,000 meters. Reds are dominated by Touriga Nacional, Jaen, Alfrocheiro, and Tinta Roriz, while whites feature Encruzado. They are typically fresh, elegant, and moderately alcoholic.

Does Encruzado only grow in Dão?

Yes, according to Wines of Portugal, cultivation is currently limited to Dão.

How long can Dão Wine be stored?

Encruzado is considered very age-worthy, with good examples developing over many years.Robust Dão red wines often need a few years for their aromas to open up. Simple, fruity blends are best enjoyed in the first few years.

Where can I buy Dão wine in Switzerland?

At Vall'doAido in Oberbuchsiten. Our Dão wines are stocked in Switzerland and available for immediate delivery. In the showroom, you can receive personal advice on Saturdays, usually from 9 to 12 o'clock.

• Red for Beginners: Portal da Estrela Tinto 2023 (CHF 12)
• Red with Depth: Código Or1gem Tinto 2023 (CHF 23)
• Encruzado from the Steel Tank: Código Encruzado CRU Branco 2024 (CHF 23)
• Encruzado with Barrel Aging: Código Encruzado Branco 2023 (CHF 39)

Conclusion: The Dão is Portugal's quiet region. The altitude creates wines that impress with freshness rather than strength. If you try just one bottle, choose an Encruzado. If you take two, you have a reason for a second evening.