Antonio Madeira Vinhas Velhas Tinto 2017 Dão DOC

The António Madeira Vinhas Velhas Tinto 2017 is the signature wine of the estate, crafted from a blend of around 20 small old vineyards scattered throughout the foothills of the Serra da Estrela. Sourced from vines aged between 50 and 100 years, this wine perfectly captures António Madeira's vision of preserving the historic "Grands Crus of the Dão Highlands" and expressing the identity of these remarkable sites.

The 2017 vintage was exceptionally dry and early, with harvest commencing on 23 August, almost a month earlier than usual. Outstanding weather conditions throughout the growing season allowed for the harvest of healthy, perfectly ripe fruit, resulting in one of the estate's most successful vintages.

Produced with a minimal-intervention philosophy, fermentation occurred naturally in traditional open vats with indigenous yeasts and foot treading. Extraction was deliberately gentle to preserve freshness and terroir expression. The wine was then aged for 18 months in used French oak barrels, followed by 3 months in stainless steel, before bottling in August 2019.

Tasting Notes

A beautifully expressive and terroir-driven wine, displaying mineral aromas of granite and fresh red forest fruits, complemented by subtle vegetal nuances, wildflowers, pine needles and pine forest notes. The palate is delicate, pure and tightly knit, combining freshness, elegance and structure with remarkable energy. A persistent, balanced finish highlights the wine's exceptional finesse and sense of place.

Wine Details
Producer: Antonio Madeira
Region: Dão – Serra da Estrela, Portugal
Vintage: 2017
Vineyards: Approximately 20 small old-vine parcels
Vine Age: 50-100 years
Soil: Granite
Grape Varieties: Field blend of Jaen, Baga, Tinta Amarela and 20 other native Portuguese varieties
Altitude: 500 metres
Harvest: Hand-picked, commencing 23 August 2017
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts, traditional open vats
Ageing: 18 months in used French oak (500L, 400L and 225L) plus 3 months in stainless steel
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 10,300 bottles
Bottled: August 2019
Food Pairing

An excellent partner for lamb, duck, game birds and traditional Portuguese codfish dishes, where its freshness, savoury complexity and mineral character can truly shine.

Cellaring

With its old-vine concentration, natural acidity and fine structure, the 2017 Vinhas Velhas has the pedigree to continue evolving beautifully over the next decade and beyond.

A benchmark old-vine Dão red, combining purity, minerality and elegance, while capturing the heritage and character of the Serra da Estrela's historic vineyards.