Dão White Wines: A Tasting Review of Encruzado-Based Selections
A recent tasting event focused on the diverse styles of Encruzado, a prominent grape variety in Dão, Portugal, produced a variety of remarkable dry white wines. The reviews covered vintages from top producers, highlighting their distinct characteristics.
Caminhos Cruzados Reserva Encruzado 2022
- Rating: 92
- Notes: Exhibits a soft straw color with hints of oyster shell. Aromas of orchard fruits complemented by vanillin and poached pear. On the palate, the wine displays a spicy undertone and a flinty tension, providing impressive length and a strong sense of place.
Soito Grande Reserva Branco 2016
- Rating: 92
- Notes: Bright gold hue with nutty and fig aromas, along with citrus notes. The palate is rich yet retains good acidity, showcasing concentrated fruit flavors with a compelling finish.
Domínio do Açor Encruzado 2021
- Rating: 91
- Notes: Sophisticated, with notes of pears and honeysuckle. It showcases a firmer acidity, ensuring an impressive length, despite a leaner fruit character.
Osvaldo Amado Raríssimo Dão 2014
- Rating: 91
- Notes: Exhibits a light color with lime blossom and herbaceous aromas. The palate reflects a riesling-like character with pronounced acidity, offering a fascinating journey through its evolution.
Cabriz Encruzado Reserva 2022
- Rating: 89
- Notes: Exceptionally pale, with a nose of oatmeal and orchard fruit. Despite an assertive mid-palate character and a gentle creaminess, the wine’s overall integration leaves room for improvement.
Julia Kemper Encruzado Reserva Branco 2021
- Rating: 85
- Notes: Displays a soft-straw color with a slightly strained nose. There’s a raw mouthfeel along with a touch of oxidation, compromising its elegance.
João Tavares da Pina Torre de Tavares Encruzado 2021
- Rating: 84
- Notes: Displays a baked apple and macadamia profile with some oxidation. It presents structural intrigue but lacks fruit clarity.
This tasting showcases the exceptional potential of Dão white wines, particularly those made from Encruzado, which exhibit a remarkable range of aromas and flavors, characterizing the unique terroir of the region. For more insights into these wines and producers, visit World of Fine Wine’s tasting notes section.