PORTUGAL : DÃO : PENALVA DO CASTELOORGANIC : MenciaLIGHT-BODIED, DRIED CHERRY, DRIED ROSES, IRON MINERAL, CHESTNUT CASKJoão Tavares de Pina has farmed organically in the Dão since the 1990s — 40 hectares at 550 meters in Penalva do Castelo, granite and marine sediment underfoot, chamomile and clover between the rows. He calls the grape Mencia rather than the local Jaen — same DNA, different ambition: the synonym has international traction and he wants it to carry the Dão's flag.Native-yeast fermentation in 1250-litre chestnut casks, the same vessel for 12 months of lees aging. No fining, no filtration, 25 mg/L total SO2 at bottling. Chestnut was the traditional vessel for Dão reds before French oak moved in — João uses it because it makes a better wine. 133 cases.PAIRINGS : Roasted leg of lamb earthy herbs and medium tannins bridge the fat Serra da Estrela sheep's milk cheese regional affinity; bright acid lifts the richness Roasted duck breast red fruit notes complement the savory fat
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