2020 Dão Tinto Reserva, Quinta dos Carvalhais

• Style: Elegant, mineral-driven Portuguese red
• Taste: Blackberry, wild cherry, menthol, violet with polished tannins
• Food: Game, lamb, beef stew, roast dinners, braised dishes
• Occasion: Sunday lunch, date night, relaxed evening
• Serve: 16–17°C, decant 30 mins, natural cork

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Deep ruby with aromas of blackberry and wild cherry undercut by menthol and violet—a wine that unfolds with patience. The palate shows black fruit wrapped in polished tannins, with acidity sharp enough to cut through roasted meat yet refined enough not to dominate. It finishes long and composed, the signature freshness of the region singing through.

The Winery — Quinta dos Carvalhais

A beacon of Dão's quality renaissance since the 1990s, winemaker Beatriz Cabral de Almeida continues the estate's mission with real conviction. The blend—49% Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro and Tinta Roriz—was harvested separately and fermented in its own tank for precision blending. Ten days at 28°C, then twelve months in French oak gave the wine weight without sacrificing that mineral freshness. The 2020 vintage was exceptional: an early, scorching season concentrated flavours while August rains kept the vines balanced.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

Serve this wine with game, lamb chops or beef stew—anything that benefits from tannin and acidity to cut through fat and richness. Its polish makes it equally at home on a Sunday lunch table or a quiet date night. The natural cork closure means it's built to cellar, so don't hesitate to lay it down. If Touriga Nacional intrigues you, or if you're exploring the depth our Portugal selection offers, this sits at the heart of what makes Dão special. Come and discover what else we've found from this remarkable region.