2020 Quinta Do Soito DOC Dão 'Encruzado'

90% Encruzado, 10% Malavasia Fina hand harvested from vineyards in the Terras de Azurara subregion, known for its Mediterranean climate and granitic soils. Traditional vinification process, with partial aging in French oak barrels (from some of the most respected cooperage brands in the world — Taransaud, L’Adour, Seguin Moreau, Baron) and regular bâtonnage for a period of 4 months. All winemaking is done by gravity flow. 13.6% alcohol.

We love Encruzado! This is a super clean, drinkable medium bodied white wine full of complexity and with just enough oak on it- it’s not overpowering at all. Expressive nose of orange blossom, lime, white peach, earthy minerals and just a hint of oak. Medium bodied, with a slightly oily viscosity and plenty of fresh acidity underneath its zesty, crisp fruit. This wine is ideal with grilled fish, risotto with squash, roasted root vegetables or with any kind of cheese. 

Soito Wines, founded in 2013, is a young and promising venture in the Dão region. At Quinta do Soito, two teachers, José Carlos Soares and Sandra Soares, with turned a family farm into a wine estate. They farm about 40 acres of vineyards, split between their home estate in the village of Tibalde, and another in Mesquitela. Between the two properties they grow Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro, Jaen, Encruzado and Malvasia-Fina. The Dão region, in northern Portugal’s Beira Alta, has ideal natural conditions for wine production, thanks to the protective mountains like Serras do Caramulo, Montemuro, Buçaco, and Estrela.