Alvaro Castro 'D.A.C.' Tinto 2011

Wine & Spirits 93
"Best Buy. Dão was once famed for light-bodied, elegant reds like this, only this wine is fresher, brighter and more graceful on release than the old guard used to be. Its refinement starts in the scent of crushed herbs and cracked green peppercorns, tickling the tongue like a strawberry leaf, lasting on cool red fruit and all that peppery spice. It’s a blend of Touriga Nacional, Jaen, Roriz and Alfrocheiro, grown with care so it has the stamina to improve over the course of several days after the bottle is opened."

"Alvaro Castro, who is a civil engineer, inherited Quinta da Pellada, which dates back to the year 1570, in 1980. At the time, of his inheritance, he decided to make something out of the estate. He wanted to give it his full time and attention. Rapidly the enthusiasm for his wines made him decide to re-establish the old family tradition of wine making full time. This tradition also includes his daughter Maria Castro.

The vines are between 3 and 65 years old. They are located at an average altitude of 550 meters. The total area amounts to 60 hectares, which are planted in granite soils with rows of sand and clay. Varietals that are typical of the region and encompass over 30 different varieties include: Encruzado, Cercial, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Jaen and Alfrocheiro." ~Winery Notes