Beiorte Palhais Tinto 2023

Beiorte Palhais Tinto 2023 a beautifully fresh, authentic red from Portugal's historic Dão region, crafted by young winemaker João Costa and his wife Bea in the small mountain village of Santa Ovaia. First launched in 2020, the Beiorte project grew out of a genuine passion for preserving old vineyards, traditional winemaking, and the distinctive character of this rugged, lesser-known corner of the Dão. The name "Beiorte" comes from an old local dialect once spoken in the village, simply meaning "wine" — and each cork is stamped with "Beiorte Gido," meaning "good wine," a fitting description for this lively, characterful red.

Palhais is a distinctive style within the range — one that undergoes a longer maceration and ageing process, giving a fuller-bodied wine that leans tart and savoury rather than straightforwardly fruity. This example is a great illustration of that style: dark berry fruit meets genuine savoury, herbal character throughout.

The wine comes from old field-blend vineyards on granite soils at the foothills of the Serra do Açor mountains — a blend of 85% Baga, 5% Jaen, 3% Cidreiro and 5% Trincadeira. The cool climate and elevated terrain give it real freshness, elegance and vibrant personality. Made naturally with minimal intervention and minimal sulphite use, the fruit spends 9 days on skins before 13 months' ageing in stainless steel — a pure reflection of the region's heritage and terroir.

Light, energetic and full of charm, Palhais Tinto 2023 shows bright red fruit, gentle spice and earthy complexity, framed by fine tannin and lively acidity. It's a modern take on traditional Dão winemaking — soulful, approachable, and genuinely food-friendly. 11% alc, 750ml.