The wines of Dão Sul, Dão, Portugal

Dão Sul is a dynamic wine company based in the Dão region, who have now branched out by owning estates in the Douro, Bairrada, Estremadura and most recently the Alentejo. I was very impressed by their wines. Even the less expensive wines were quite tasty.

Dão Sul Quinta do Covão Verdelho 2001 Dão
Striking, distinctive herby nose with a cheesy, savoury edge. Boldly flavoured rich, herby palate. Strikingly individual. Very good+ 88/100 (£5.99)

Dão Sul Quinta da Cabriz Colheita Seleccionada 2000 Dão
Tight knit herbal edged berry fruit on the nose. The palate is bold, rich and nicely savoury with great balance and some chocolatey richness. Very good+ 89/100 (£5.99)

Dão Sul Quinta da Cabriz Dão Superior 2000, Dão
There’s lovely herby complexity to the nose which is very expressive with a slightly meaty edge. The palate shows a lovely herby elegance. Nicely weighted structure, good acidity. Savoury and well balanced. Very good/excellent 91 (£17.99)

Dão Sul Cortello 2001 Estremadura
Lovely herby, spicy savoury nose with some ripe berry fruit. The palate shows rich chewy fruit with a herby edge. Brilliant for the price. Very good+ 85/100 (£3.99 Safeway)

Dão Sul Palaestra 2000 Douro
Nicely savoury herbal fruit on the nose with some liqouricey richness. Juicy, rich and boldly flavoured on the palate with good concentration and intensity. Very good+ 87/100 (£5.99)

Dão Sul Quinta das Tecedeiras 2001 Douro
Deep coloured. Quite rich, liquoricey, herby edge to the nose, with a touch of chocolatey richness. The palate is chewy, rich and concentrated with some firm tannins. Very good/excellent 90 (£14.99)

Dão Sul Quinta Sá de Baixo Grande Eschola 2000, Douro
Very deep purple/black colour. Serious savoury, spicy nose showing spicy-edged ripe fruit. The palate is concentrated and rich with assertive, firm spicy structure and well judged oak. Very bold, intense and concentrated. Very good/excellent 91 (£24)

Dão Sul Quinta do Encontro 2000 Bairrada
Slightly tarry edge to the nose. There’s nice balance on the palate: chewy, savoury berry fruit dominates. Quite structured with some elegance. Very good+ 87/100 (£7.99)  

see also: tasting notes of Portuguese wines; visit to Dão Sul in May 2004

wines tasted April 2003

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