Quinta dos Carvalhais is renowned for spearheading the quality renaissance of Dão wines in the early ‘90s and continues to craft some of the region’s finest expressions today. Acquired by Sogrape in 1988, the estate underwent extensive improvements, including the replanting of near-extinct indigenous varieties such as Encruzado—now considered one of Portugal’s finest white grapes. Under the expert guidance of winemaker Beatriz Cabral de Almeida, Quinta dos Carvalhais produces an exceptional range of estate wines that showcase depth, vibrant fruit, and remarkable elegance.

Nestled in the heart of the Dão, the estate spans 105 hectares, with 50 hectares of sustainably farmed vineyards thriving at an altitude of 465–500 metres. The granite-rich soils, combined with warm days and cool nights, allow for slow ripening, resulting in wines of great freshness and complexity. Sheep graze among the vines to enhance soil health and minimise herbicide use, while the modern gravity-flow winery enables meticulous vinification, with each vineyard plot fermented separately to preserve its unique character.

Typical of the Dão, all Quinta dos Carvalhais’s wines undergo oak ageing, with Beatriz expertly employing a mixture of new and used barrels of varying sizes to subtly integrate the influence of oak. Each single-variety wine is a carefully crafted blend of grapes from distinct vineyard plots, vinified separately before blending.

Grapes were hand-harvested by variety and plot before undergoing fermentation in stainless-steel tanks. 70% of the wine was then aged in 225-litre used French oak barrels for eight months, while the remainder matured in stainless steel, ensuring a refined integration of oak influence.

A blend composed of Touriga Nacional (50%), Alfrocheiro (36%), Tinta Roriz (8%), and Jaen Tinto (6%) results in a beautifully balanced wine, ruby red in colour, with blackberry and plum at its core, complemented by floral hints of violet and a touch of spice. Fresh menthol notes bring lift and brightness, while well-integrated barrel ageing adds warmth and depth. The palate is smooth and refined, with velvety tannins and vibrant acidity carrying juicy fruit flavours through to a long, elegant finish.

This wine pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, game dishes, and chargrilled meats, complementing their rich, savoury flavours. Its bright acidity and smooth tannins also make it a superb match for aged cheeses and mushroom-based dishes, enhancing their depth and umami character.