Manual Wines is a producer in Portugal's Dão region, known for crafting expressive wines that showcase the area's unique terroir—located in the heart of the Dão, Manual Wines benefits from the region's granite soils and temperate climate influenced by nearby mountains and rivers.
The viticulture at Manual Wines emphasizes working in harmony with nature. Their vineyards are planted primarily with indigenous Portuguese grape varieties well-suited to the Dão's growing conditions. These include red grapes like Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Jaen and white varieties such as Encruzado and Malvasia Fina. The vines are cultivated using minimal intervention techniques, allowing the site's natural characteristics to shine through in the finished wines.
Manual Wines' talented winemaker, João Silva e Sousa, brings technical expertise and a deep passion for the Dão region to his craft. With experience working harvests in other renowned wine regions, João applies his knowledge to coax the best expression of Manual's vineyards. His winemaking philosophy centers on gentle handling of the grapes and minimal manipulation in the cellar.
Sustainability is a key focus at Manual Wines, reflecting a growing trend among forward-thinking Portuguese producers. The winery has implemented several eco-friendly practices to reduce its environmental impact. These include using organic farming methods in the vineyards, harvesting grapes by hand, and employing gravity-flow techniques in the winery to minimize energy usage. Manual Wines has also invested in water conservation measures and uses lightweight glass bottles to decrease transportation emissions.
The Dão's winemaking heritage dates back centuries, but the region has undergone a quality revolution in recent decades. Manual Wines is part of a new generation of producers elevating the Dão's reputation by combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques. Their wines offer an authentic taste of this historic Portuguese appellation while embracing sustainable practices that ensure its viability for future generations.
With its commitment to expressing Dão terroir through thoughtful viticulture and winemaking, Manual Wines is helping to solidify the region's place among Portugal's premier wine appellations. Wine enthusiasts seeking elegant, terroir-driven Portuguese wines would do well to explore the distinctive offerings from this up-and-coming Dão producer.
