Antonio Madeira Vinhas Velhas Branco 2020 Dão DOC

The António Madeira Vinhas Velhas Branco 2020 is sourced from every historic vineyard farmed by António Madeira in the foothills of the Serra da Estrela, bringing together fruit from vines ranging from 50 to 130 years old. This extraordinary field blend of around 20 native Portuguese grape varieties captures the heritage, diversity and mineral character of the Dão Highlands.

The 2020 growing season was marked by severe frosts at the end of March, significantly reducing yields across the region. Despite these challenges, the surviving fruit delivered exceptional concentration and character.

At the heart of the wine is a blend led by Síria, Fernão Pires, Bical, Encruzado, Malvasia Fina, Arinto and Cerceal, supported by numerous lesser-known indigenous varieties preserved within these ancient vineyards. Guided by a minimal-intervention philosophy, the fruit was gently pressed and settled naturally before undergoing an exceptionally slow 10-month fermentation in a combination of 500L barrels and stainless steel tanks using indigenous yeasts. The wine then spent two winters ageing before bottling, following a Burgundian-inspired approach designed to build texture, depth and complexity.

Tasting Notes

Complex, refined and deeply expressive, the 2020 vintage reveals a vibrant citrus core layered with notes of ripe apple and pear. Subtle hints of toast, spice and lanolin add further complexity, while the palate combines impressive concentration with a striking saline minerality. Multifaceted and textured, the wine finishes with remarkable depth, freshness and granite-driven precision.

Wine Details
Producer: António Madeira
Region: Dão – Serra da Estrela, Portugal
Vintage: 2020
Grape Varieties: Field blend of approximately 20 native grape varieties, led by Síria, Fernão Pires, Bical, Encruzado, Malvasia Fina, Arinto and Cerceal
Vineyards: 20 old-vine parcels
Vine Age: 50 to 130 years
Soil: Granite
Altitude: 500-700 metres
Harvest: September 2020
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in 500L barrels and stainless steel tanks
Malolactic Fermentation: Completed
Ageing: 20 months, 90% in 500L/600L French and Austrian oak barrels and 10% in stainless steel tanks
Alcohol: 13.4%
Total Acidity: 5.67 g/L
pH: 3.34
Production: 4,500 bottles
Bottled: April 2022
Food Pairing

Superb with shellfish, grilled seafood, premium fish dishes, salt cod, roast poultry, creamy cheeses and seasonal vegetable dishes, where its texture, freshness and mineral definition can take centre stage.

About António Madeira

French-born and of Portuguese heritage, António Madeira has dedicated himself to rescuing and revitalising some of the oldest vineyards of the Serra da Estrela. Through meticulous farming, indigenous fermentations and a commitment to preserving rare native grape varieties, he has become one of the leading voices of the modern Dão.

A profound old-vine white of exceptional depth and purity, combining saline minerality, layered complexity and the unmistakable character of the Serra da Estrela's historic granite vineyards.