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António Madeira - 2021 - Vinhas Da Serra Tinto

Sale price€72,00

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A sophisticated and eloquent expression of the Dão region, meticulously sourced from high-altitude vineyards nestled in the foothills of the Serra da Estrela. This wine represents a "Grand Cru" approach, utilizing specific plots of old vines—often between 50 and 100 years old—grown on the characteristic, decomposed granitic and sandy soils of the region, which impart its signature finesse and crystalline purity.

The winemaking philosophy strictly focuses on minimal intervention to allow the terroir and the distinct vintage to speak. The 2021 vintage, notably affected by significant rainfall during harvest, resulted in a year defined by wines with inherent freshness and lower alcohol. This blend primarily comprises indigenous Dão varietals, predominantly Tinta Amarela, Jaen, and Baga, often supplemented by over 20 other ancient, co-planted varieties (field blend). The grapes are hand-harvested, and fermentation is carried out using indigenous yeasts in small, open vats with a deliberate focus on minimal extraction. Following fermentation, the wine is pressed and transferred directly into used 225-liter French oak barrels, where it undergoes malolactic conversion and ages for approximately 18 months, followed by a short period in stainless steel before bottling. This extended aging in neutral wood integrates the wine's structure while preserving the fruit's aromatic integrity and granitic character. Only minimal doses of sulfur are used throughout the process.

The resulting wine exhibits a dense yet luminous ruby color. The nose is intensely complex, immediately offering a pristine blend of fresh red fruit—think crunchy cherry and wild raspberry—framed by complex layers of aromatic herbs, pine needle resin, and a distinct, savory whisper of crushed granite. On the palate, the 2021 vintage is defined by its remarkable freshness and finesse, demonstrating a beautifully fluid, almost crystalline texture. It possesses a subtle intensity and depth, with fine, powdery tannins that are dense without being heavy, echoing the sandy texture of the soil. The flavors are remarkably pure, combining ripe fruit with savory complexity, finishing with a long, mineral persistence that is both salivating and profound, marking it as an exquisite, age-worthy reflection of Dão’s high-altitude granite terroir.

António Madeira - 2021 - Vinhas Da Serra Tinto
António Madeira - 2021 - Vinhas Da Serra Tinto Sale price€72,00

Learn more about

António Madeira

António Madeira began his winemaking journey with absolutely nothing - no vineyard, no winery, not even a small piece of land to call his own. However, what he did possess was an immense sense of pride that comes with being born in one place but feeling a strong sense of belonging to another. Parisian-born lad with Portuguese roots in the Dão region, António always felt a deep connection to his heritage. In his younger days, he'd visit the family land without giving the wine or grape harvest a second thought. 

António formed a wine tasting club with his colleagues and started to learn more and more about the liquid gold. In 2010, he started making wine in the region, and by 2016, he'd permanently moved back to the Dão to take care of the old vines that local farmers had abandoned. 

António Madeira's vineyards are like a treasure trove, hidden away in the easternmost part of the Dão region. With a continental climate and granite soil, it's no wonder that he believes the Dão has the potential to produce wines that age like fine art. But it's not just a matter of climate and soil, it's also António's passion for winemaking that makes his wines so special. 

He takes pride in his "living museum" of old vines, some of which are over a century old. While other producers are giving up on their vineyards, António is nurturing them with care and attention, ensuring that they continue to produce grapes of the highest quality. And it's not just about the age of the vines, it's also about the variety. António has over 40 different varieties in his vineyards, including the esteemed Baga grape, which is a testament to the rich diversity of the region. 

What sets António's wines apart is their ability to age gracefully. The cool nights in the Dão region allow for slow maturation of the grapes, which results in wines with natural acidity that can be preserved for years to come. And it's not just António who believes in the aging potential of Dão wines. The classics of the region, such as the Centro de Estudos de Nelas from the 1970s, are a testament to the fact that these wines only get better with time. 

So the next time you see the word "DÃO" inscribed in bold letters on a bottle of wine, know that you're about to experience something truly special, crafted with care and passion by António Madeira in the heart of the Dão region.