Locked in on three sides by high granite mountains and sheltered from the Atlantic, the Dao region benefits from long warm summers, cool nights and abundant winter rainfall. Majority of the soil is granite, or granite decomposed to coarse sand, and this lends to high acidity wines and helps the wines age.
Dao vineyards are stocked with a wealth of indigenous grape varieties and the region is home to probably Portugal’s top red grape variety, Touriga Nacional. The grape must account for at least 20% of any one red wine, making reds of character and intensity, fascinating aromas and solid tannis. Other varieties include Jaen, Tinto Roriz and the rather unfortunately named Bastardo. There are good whites too, whereby Encruzado is dominate, making whites fresh and fragrant. Bical and Cercial offer their support.

Producers from this region:
Quinta Vale das Escadinhas | Quinta Saes | Quinta Bica