Dão

The Dão region is widely regarded as Portugal’s “Borgony of the North,” famed for the elegant and refined character of its wines – a legacy established back in 1908 as the country’s first demarcated non-fortified wine region, and the second in Portugal overall. Nestled in the Beira Alta province of central-northern Portugal, this mountainous area benefits from a truly unique microclimate, shielded by the formidable Serra da Estrela, Caramulo, Lousã, Buçaco, Nave and Açor ranges. This remarkable terroir is particularly celebrated as the birthplace of the Touriga Nacional, Portugal’s most revered grape. Here, it truly shines, nurtured by the distinctive granitic soils and a wonderfully temperate climate. Covering approximately 20,000 hectares across 376,000 hectares, the Dão encompasses sixteen municipalities within the Viseu, Guarda and Coimbra districts. Expect wines brimming with elegance, a captivating aromatic complexity, and an exceptional acidity – all hinting at an impressive potential for aging. A fantastic pairing? Definitely with the hearty, regional cuisine of the area!