Dom Vicente Encruzado Na Talha 2019

Vicente Encruzado Na Talha is an magnificent white wine from Portugal, made from 100% Encruzado grapes. This grape is typical of the Dão region, where it thrives best. Producing wine with the Encruzado grape is no easy task, as it oxidizes quickly. Nevertheless, Encruzado is considered the most promising white grape of Dão. The wine undergoes a unique fermentation process using traditional clay vats, also known as talha. Here, it ages for three months, contributing to its distinctive flavor. After fermentation, only natural stabilization and light filtration take place before bottling. Thanks to this meticulous process, the wine is already excellent to drink but also has the potential to further mature in the bottle. The Encruzado grape, grown in limited quantities, produces a wine with a high alcohol content of 14%. Despite this, the wine maintains an almost perfect balance between sweetness and acidity. A wine crafted with care and dedication—perfect for the true wine enthusiast.

The wine has a beautiful, bright lemon-yellow color in the glass, immediately conveying a sense of freshness and vibrancy. On the nose, delicate fruit aromas emerge, reminiscent of citrus fruits such as lime and grapefruit, blended with subtle undertones of white fruits like pear and apple. These fruity notes are further complemented by a pronounced mineral aroma, characteristic of the Encruzado grape, enhancing the wine’s complexity. On the palate, the minerality is distinctly present, with a pleasant, almost saline touch that emphasizes the purity of the flavor. The wine boasts a fresh, lively acidity, ensuring excellent balance and a refreshing finish. This combination of minerality and acidity makes the wine highly versatile, pairing perfectly with a wide range of dishes. Think of seafood, such as oysters and shrimp, as well as various fish dishes, including pan-seared cod or grilled sea bass. Even lighter meat dishes, such as chicken or veal, pair beautifully with this wine. To enjoy the wine at its best, it is recommended to serve it chilled at a temperature of 8 to 10ºC. Bottles should be stored horizontally in a clean, well-ventilated place, protected from direct sunlight. Ideal storage conditions include a mild temperature and consistent humidity, helping the wine mature properly and maintain its quality.

Dão is located in the southern part of Beira Alta, south of the Douro River. Two major rivers flow through the region: the Dão and the Mondego. The area is centered around the cities of Viseu, Guarda, and Coimbra. Vineyards are primarily cultivated on terraces along the slopes, with vines growing at elevations between 200 and 600 meters above sea level. The climate is temperate Mediterranean, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold, humid winters. On average, the region receives 1,000 millimeters of rainfall per year, mostly between November and March. The climate of the Dão region is influenced by both the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Spanish Meseta to the east. The soil is generally infertile and consists mainly of weathered granite. In the southern part of Dão, there are areas of slate, which contribute to the production of exceptional wines. The valleys of the rivers are composed mainly of fertile clay and sand. Thanks to this unique landscape, a wide variety of wines are produced, allowing us all to enjoy their richness.