Lagar de Darei Dão Tinto Reserva '15

We’re always excited when a new vintage of one of our favorite wines is released Located south of the Douro, the Dão is truly a unique and diverse region. It is bordered on three sides by mountains: Serra da Estrella, Serra do Caramulo, and Serra da Nave. Protected from cooling Atlantic winds, and warming northern winds, it has a temperate climate that, couple with elevation, granite soils, forests, and an extreme diurnal temperature shift, helps yield captivating wines full of richness, freshness, and balance. 

Darei takes its name from the town in which is it located, and it’s become quite the family affair since José Ruivo founded the winery. José made winemaking a retirement project (although he joked to Craig that he’s never worked harder) in partnership with his son, Carlos, who is currently at the helm. We have been supporting Darei’s wines for years since Craig discovered them while traveling in Portugal, at an annual tasting in Porto, at which he met Carlos and José. With a combination of purchased fruit and some estate fruit, they have always kept tradition in mind, which is why we love these benchmark examples of the Dão. 

The Tinto Reserva is a selection of the best estate grapes. It is a blend of the local varieties Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Jaen, and Alfrocheiro. Spontaneous co-fermentation occurs in traditional open-tread granite tanks (lagares). Post-fermentation maceration follows to optimize the color, flavor, and tannin structure of the wine. Afterward, the wine is aged in 5,000-liter cement vats for 12 months. This is a medium-bodied red, with fine-grain tannins, dark, brambly fruit, and a subtle pepper note that make the wine a must-try for fans of Northern Rhône Syrah.