Alianca Dao

Tasting Note

Immediately juicy with lots of bramble fruits and polished aromatics. Underlying savoury and herbal character with silky, supple black fruit. Soft tannins with hints of pine and vanilla on the elegant finish.

Producer Details
One of Portugal's largest and most progressive producers with 600 hectares spread across estates in five regions from Douro in the north to Alentejo in the south. Winemaker Francisco Antunes oversees what must be one of the most diverse ranges in Europe, from the 3rd largest Portuguese rose brand (Casal Mendes) to some of the country's most impressive premium reds from estates in Douro, Dao, Bairrada and Alentejo. Arguably, Francisco's greatest achievements lie between these extremes, a range of mid-priced wines from native varieties, full of character, quite distinctly Portuguese, but at the same time approachable and with fresh, modern fruit.

In The Vineyard
The hand-picked grapes are sourced from selected vineyards in the Dao region south of the Douro Valley, where old vines are tended traditionally in granite soil.

In The Winery
Fermentation in stainless steel vats controlled at 30 degrees with maceration on the skins for 10 days in total. The wine is then matured for 6 months in 300 litre French oak barrels.

Food Recommendations
Goes well with grilled beef or lamb or robust stew. For a veggie alternative try with spinach and lentil casserole.

Awards & Press
2008 Vintage: IWC 2011 - Gold
2008 Vintage: Decanter World Wine Awards 2011 -
Bronze
2007 Vintage: Sommelier Wine Awards 2011 - Silver
2007 Vintage: Decanter Wine Awards 2010 - Bronze
2007 Vintage: IWC 2010 - Bronze
2006 Vintage: IWC 2009 - Silver
2008 Vintage: "Developed, slightly smoky with ripe black cherry, blueberry and dried fruit." Decanter 'The Results' edition, October 2011
2008 Vintage: “Juicy, with concentrated raspberry ganache and chocolate mousse flavours that are rich and ripe, with a silky finish that features notes of sandalwood. Tinta Roriz, Jaen and Touriga Nacional. Drink now.” 88 points. Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator, August 31st 2011
2007 Vintage: "Spiced fruits and violets on a relatively restrained nose precede a blend of ripe dark black and red fruit on a well-structured palate with good balance and a touch of vanilla oak. 'Smooth and easy drinking,' said Senthil Kulandhaisamy." Sommelier Wine Awards 2011,
Judges Comments
2007 Vintage: "Structured and fleshy damson with floral complexity." Decanter World Wine Awards Judges Comments, Decanter magazine, October 2010
2007 Vintage: "A supple red, offering sanguine and mineral accents to the berry and rhubarb flavours, with a spicy finish." Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator, November 30th 2010