Dao (DOC)

Dao's entire perimeter is encased by three mountain ranges - the Bucaco, Caramulo and Serra da Estrela - that block the Atlantic winds and preserve Dao's special Mediterranean-like climate. Rainy winters are followed by hot, dry summers and long cool autumns. This is ideal for the slow fermentation of velvety wines with powerful aromas.

Crossed by the Mondego and Dao rivers, the region has 50,000 acres under vine and produces 5.5 million cases annually - 80% red and 20% white.

The western part - best suited for white wine - is relatively flat, more fertile and low in altitude (between 1,000 and 1,300 feet). The eastern region - ideal for red - is on the foothills of the Serra da Estrela mountain range at about 1,300 to 2,000 feet. Dao vineyards are mostly small parcels interspersed with fruit orchards, farmland, oak, pine, olive and eucalyptus trees. The soils are nearly all granite with a small amount of schistose gray Mediterranean slate. The low fertility of the soil leads to vigorous vines of moderate productivity, ideal for quality.