Domínio do Açor is a promising new venture in Portugal’s Dão region that has quickly established itself among the area’s top producers. Located in Oliveira do Conde, Viseu, this vineyard-based project was initiated by a consortium of Brazilian wine enthusiasts, including sommelier Guilherme Corrêa and Igor Beron. Guilherme serves as the regisseur, while Luis Lopes is responsible for winemaking. João Costa, who previously worked at Niepoort’s Dão outpost Lomba, is the on-ground viticulturist and winemaker.
The estate spans 11 hectares divided into eight vineyard blocks, showcasing a Burgundian style that emphasizes the unique characteristics of each site. With the guidance of terroir consultant Pedro Parra, the team has gained insights into their distinct terroirs, and Marco Simonit has been brought in for optimized vine pruning.
Domínio do Açor is notable not only for its commitment to quality but also for its innovative practices, such as grafting some of the region’s old grape varieties.
The Wines
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Domínio Do Açor Villa Romana Branco 2023 Dão, PortugalA blend of Encruzado, Sercial, and Bical, this wine is reductively made without battonage, aging for two years on lees. It displays finesse, energy, and mineral tension. 94/100
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Domínio Do Açor Cerceal Branco Vinha Ruina 2022 Dão, PortugalThis wine, crafted from a small plot, ferments in a single 500-liter Stockinger barrel over two winters. It offers complexity and mineral notes with a spicy finish. 95/100
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Domínio Do Açor Cerceal Branco Vinha Ruina 2023 Dão, PortugalFresh and bright, this wine is characterized by its stony texture and slightly saline notes. 95/100
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Domínio Do Açor Bical Vinha Celta 2022 Dão, PortugalFrom a 0.65-hectare plot, this wine is predominantly Bical from 1961, showcasing appealing citrus fruit, minerality, and good acidity. 95/100
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Domínio Do Açor Bical Vinha Celta 2023 Dão, PortugalOpen and textured, it presents a sweet core of citrus fruit complemented by a fine texture. 94/100
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Domínio Do Açor Encruzado 2023 Dão, PortugalThis wine is juicy and refined, with integrated flavors of pear and melon. 95/100
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Domínio Do Açor Alvarelhão Dão, PortugalKnown as Brancellao in Galicia, this light and elegant red captures red cherry and redcurrant notes. 95/100
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Domínio Do Açor Jaen Vinha Celta 2022 Dão, PortugalAged with 30% whole bunch, this red is vivid and juicy with clear red fruit flavors. 94/100
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Domínio Do Açor Tinta Pinheira 2022 Dão, PortugalThis crunch red offers raspberry and cherry notes with a precise and pure structure. 94/100
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Domínio Do Açor Villa Romana Tinto 2021 Dão, PortugalThis entry-level blend boasts ripe sweet fruit and fine grip, retailing at €18 in Portugal. 93/100
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Domínio Do Açor Reserva 2021 Dão, PortugalA complex blend of Alfrocheiro and Touriga Nacional, this wine is aromatic with rich fruit character. 95/100
For more details on their offerings, visit Domínio do Açor.