Quinta da Pellada Jaen

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Dão is quickly becoming the most sought-after region for Portuguese winemakers to venture into; according to many, it’s one of the world’s most perfect microclimates: mountains protect it from continental heat to the east and Douro’s heat to north, and cool Atlantic breezes come inland to keep the overall temperatures more regulated, making for wines with bright acidity, ethereal aromatics, and compelling complexity. The DO’s granitic soils allow indigenous grapes to shine through in the wines, and provide firm, crunchy tannin against the bright fruit. Alvaro Castro has noted that “if God were to design a wine-growing region, what he would come up with would look a lot like the Dão.”   There is no modern Dão without one of the region’s longtime legends, Alvaro Castro, whose estate encompasses two small properties (or “quintas”) known as Pellada and Saes. Alvaro makes wine here with his daughter Maria, carrying on a tradition of winemaking on this property that dates to the 16th century! Together, they have resisted the internationalization push of the ‘80s and ‘90s, instead doubling down on their slow-wine approach, using local varieties grown and crafted in the true Dao field blend style.    

WHAT MAKES THIS WINE UNIQUE?

This 100% Jaen wine is a showstopper that any lover of the world’s greats will cherish, and a great window into the historic style of Dão winemaking.

RATING HISTORY:

2016 92WA, 2015 93WA, 2014 91WA, 2011 92 WA

GRAPE:

100% Jaen picked from the old field blend of Quinta da Pellada vineyard.

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:

The fresh red fruit and delicate aromatics of the Quinta da Pellada Jaen pair very well with roast poultry and game. Mushrooms and other umami-laden dishes are also fine pairs.

VINIFICATION AND AGING:

Their use of their classic vinification with manual harvest and natural yeast.

LOCATION, SOIL, CLIMATE:

Quinta da Pellada is located in the northern part of the Dão, in Northern Central Portugal. The plots for this vineyard are planted to granite, with lines of sand and quartz at 500m (1640 ft) elevation. The Dão has a temperate continental climate, protected from the cold winds of the Atlantic by the Luso Mountains, from the warm winds of Extremadura to the west by the Sierra da Estrela, and from the arid heat of the Douro by the Serra do Caramulo. Average temperature in the growing season is 57F (14C). Rainfall is 26 inches per annum, with no irrigation.

TASTING NOTES:

"Lighter, sharper and crisper, more delicate. The red fruit is less obvious, while the mid-palate finesse seems even better. The texture leans more to silk than velvet. Overall, I loved the freshness here, which makes this a perfect food wine. Here, the strawberry tart nuance emphasizes that "tart" part. Many will adore its sunny and graceful demeanor." - Mark Squires, Wine Advocate

ALCOHOL CONTENT:

13.0%

UPC CODE:

5606686001086