Wines Dão Alvaro castro

Viniou Reviews

Alvaro Castro's Dão DOC red wine, certified organic and non-vintage, is a fine expression of Portugal's winemaking tradition. Crafted with respect for nature, this wine typically blends indigenous grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Alfrocheiro and Jaen, cultivated in the heart of the Dão region. The grapes are handpicked from granitic and sandy soils, vinified with minimal intervention to showcase the true essence of their terroir. Expect a wine with vibrant ruby colour, aromatic intensity brimming with red berries, wild herbs and subtle floral notes. On the palate, it offers freshness, layered fruit and fine, integrated tannins, the hallmark of Dão reds, with a lingering mineral finish.

The Dão region, often referred to as the Burgundy of Portugal, boasts a long viticultural history dating back centuries, celebrated for fragrant, elegant reds. Nestled inland between mountains, the vineyards benefit from a temperate climate with significant diurnal shifts—hot days and cool nights—which foster slow grape maturation and preservation of acidity. The predominance of granite in the soils imparts a distinct finesse and subtle minerality to the wines. The region was among the first demarcated wine regions of Portugal in 1908, gaining a reputation for skilled blending of native varieties and expressive, age-worthy wines.

For food pairing, this organic Dão red wine is remarkably versatile. It pairs beautifully with local specialities such as roasted kid (cabrito assado), sausage dishes, and slow-cooked pork, as well as mushroom-based meals and grilled vegetables for vegetarian options. The freshness and structure make it an excellent companion to hard sheep’s cheese or savoury tomato-based casseroles.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly cool, at 16-18°C. Decanting for thirty minutes will help the wine open up, revealing its delicate perfume and refined structure. Enjoy now for its youthful vibrancy, or cellar for a few years to appreciate greater complexity.