Vinha Paz Reserva Red Dao – 2013

Quinta Da Paz is a secret treasure from the Dao region of Portugal, about 1 hour’s drive south of Pinhao in the Douro Valley, high up in the Serra D’Estrela hills.
The wines here are fresher and not as concentrated as further north in the Douro, and have a noticeable minerality from the silver-grey granitic soils of the area.
This blend of 80% Touriga Nacional, 10% Tinta Roriz and 10% Alfrucheiro from vines between 34-60 years old was pressed in concrete lagares before being matured in 2-3 year old Burgundian barriques. Everything about this producer feels very traditionally Burgundian, from the small underground cellar to the Burgundian oak barrels and traditional Burgundy bottle. The wine is fresh and pure with concentrated red fruits – cherries and strawberries with hints of roses. The tannins are firm and structured- typical of the Dao region -but silky-smooth and beautifully integrated. There is a definite bite of granitic minerality on the finish. This will drink well over 6-8 years.