Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This has lots going on, the mysterious and intricate nose showing aromas of charcoal, strawberries and rosemary. The palate is really elegant, ethereal, like the great wines from Dao that combine this silky refined quality with a discreet structure.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The old-vine 2021 Pura comes from a field blend of many different varieties: Jaen, Baga, Castelão, Trincadeira, Alfrocheiro, Bastardo and others from over 50-year-old vines. The wine was fermented with 40% full clusters and matured in oak foudres for 16 months. It's delicate, elegant and has good freshness. It’s floral and perfumed and has a paler color. It comes from a cooler year and has fresh red fruits and good structure. It’s fine-boned, with good grip and very good purity and freshness.
Beyond the usual suspects, there are hundreds of red grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines, while others are better suited for use as blending grapes. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles, offering much to be discovered by the curious wine lover. In particular, Portugal and Italy are known for having a multitude of unique varieties but they can really be found in any region.
Producing some of the country’s most dignified and mineral-driven red wines, Dão is positioned in north central Portugal where granite mountains surround and shelter the region from any Atlantic maritime influence. Summers are long and warm; winters see abundant rainfall.