Dão, Portugal
Dão DOC
João Tavares da Pina is a bon-vivant, talented cook, and charming conversationalist who is also laser-focused on making pure expressions of his Dão terroir with land that has been in his family for generations. His farm is 40 hectares, with 13 planted with grapes. Dominant on the property are the native Jaen, Rufete and Touriga Nacional red grapes, In the vineyards, João practices strict organic viticulture and uses no products except for organic compounds. He is somewhat obsessed with the great variety of cover crops that he has on his vineyard – such as chamomile and lavender – that serve as natural fungal repellents and protectors of the vines. The vineyards are mostly granitic, with small parcels of clay, and very ancient marine sedimentary soils.
The João Tavares Da Pina Terra de Tavares Tinto 2002 red wine is made from Jaen (60%) and Touriga Nacional (40%) that were grown in clay-granitic soil. The result - an elegant and structured red with gentle round tannins. This exceptional vintage is full of forest fruit, baked herbs, brine and grilled strawberry.
A true treasure, this 20 year old back vintage is drinking beautifully. Pair this silky red with roast lamb, prime rib, coq au vin, or mushrroms and truffles.