Casa de Mouraz - Encruzado Branco

Antonio Lopes Ribiero and Sara Dionisio converted their ancestral vines into the first certified organic vineyard in the Dão in 2000, and have since converted entirely to biodynamic farming. Casa de Mouraz farms 13 ha. of native grapes which are divided into 10 parcels at an altitude of 140 to 400 meters and surrounded by chestnut, oak, and pine trees. The parcels have been proven to be the same as they were in the 12th century when the Cister monks built the monastery of St. Pedro de Mouraz and its surrounding vineyards! Gentle pressings, natural yeast starters, long lees contact in the wine and minimal handling are the time-honored practices.