Antonio Madeira Dão Vinhas Velhas Tinto 2019
$70.00 inc. GST
António Madeira, who is French of Portuguese descent, has his roots in the foothills of Serra da Estrela. Since 2010, António Madeira has been researching, the places in this sub-region, that our ancestors elected as the best for vine, those that we might call the «Grands Crus of the Dão highlands» and found a series of old vines that are distinctive because of the authenticity of their grape varieties, the characteristics and nuances of their granite soils and sun exposures.
Max Allen’s 20 top drink picks of 2023
No 7. 2019 Antonio Madeira Vinhas Velhas Tinto Dao, $70 RRP
A brilliant introduction to the new wave of young Portuguese winemakers shaking up that country’s table wine scene. This wine is a co-fermented blend of more than 20 local red grape varieties including jaen (Spain’s mencia) and tinta amarela, grown in small plots of old vines – “vinhas velhas”– high in the hills of the Dao region north of Lisbon.
Beautiful flowing ripe purple fruit gives way to a dusting of cocoa-like bittersweet tannin; it’s the kind of wine that makes you crave espetada, garlicky beef skewers grilled over charcoal.
Description
The vinification philosophy was to respect the grapes and nature and focus on seeking the expression of the terroir of Serra da Estrela, thus, no other product was used except sulphur.
Alcoholic fermentation took place in open vats with traditional treading and began naturally, with the yeast from the vine itself, to express its identity in the purest form.
Very little extraction was sought. After pressing, the wine was placed directly into used French oak barrels, where malolactic fermentation took place until the following spring and where it aged for 18 months. Bottling took place in August 2019.
This wine expresses the character and elegance of the land that witnessed its birth and takes us on a journey through time to discover the aromas and flavours of Serra da Estrela foothills, just as they were back in the time of our forefathers.
Mineral aromas and flavours of granite and fresh red forest fruits. With vegetal nuances and perfumed by small flowers, pine needles and pine forest. Delicate, pure, tightly knit, full of life, elegant and structured, it is noteworthy because of its fresh and persistent balance.
Reviews / Ratings / Awards
Max Allen’s 20 top drink picks of 2023
No 7. 2019 Antonio Madeira Vinhas Velhas Tinto Dao, $70 RRP
A brilliant introduction to the new wave of young Portuguese winemakers shaking up that country’s table wine scene. This wine is a co-fermented blend of more than 20 local red grape varieties including jaen (Spain’s mencia) and tinta amarela, grown in small plots of old vines – “vinhas velhas”– high in the hills of the Dao region north of Lisbon.
Beautiful flowing ripe purple fruit gives way to a dusting of cocoa-like bittersweet tannin; it’s the kind of wine that makes you crave espetada, garlicky beef skewers grilled over charcoal.
