Quinta dos Carvalhais Dão Branco Especial
Awards
Silver International Wine Challenge 2020Pickup currently not available
Description
Discover the exquisite Quinta dos Carvalhais Dão Branco Especial NV 75 CL, a remarkable dry white wine hailing from the prestigious Dão region of Portugal. This unique blend showcases the finest indigenous varieties, including Encruzado, Old Vine Field Blend, and Gouveio, cultivated at high altitudes to create a wine of exceptional quality and character.
This masterfully crafted wine is produced from grapes grown in poor granite soils, where the temperature difference between warm days and cool nights allows the grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in a wine that combines vibrant fruitiness with a refreshing, signature freshness. The 2023 bottling reflects a complex blend from seven different vintages, offering a balance of richness and acidity, accentuated by lively floral and citrus notes.
- Aroma: An intense bouquet that reveals bright orchard apples mingled with dried fruits, rich honeyed sweetness, and layers of brioche and warm spice.
- Palate: Silky and medium-bodied, providing layered flavors of citrus zest and green apple, complemented by a chalky mineral streak for a clean, refreshing finish.
- Finish: Crisp and mineral-driven, with lingering citrus notes and a bright, crystalline acidity that invites another sip.
For the optimal tasting experience, serve the Dão Branco Especial NV chilled, between 8–10°C, in elegant tulip-shaped glasses to enhance its aromatic expression. Here are some indulgent pairings that elevate your enjoyment of this sophisticated white wine:
- Accompany with lightly spiced seafood ceviche, featuring citrus and ginger to harmonize the wine's acidity and delicate fruitiness.
- Enjoy with delicate goat cheese and honey crostini, topped with crushed toasted almonds for texture and subtle sweetness.
- Pair with smoked trout on rye crackers, complemented by horseradish cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Elevate autumn dinners with roasted root vegetables glazed in maple and drizzled with preserved lemon for bright contrast.
- For a refreshing summer aperitif, mix with a splash of elderflower cordial and garnish with thin cucumber ribbons.
Each sip of Quinta dos Carvalhais Dão Branco Especial NV not only offers a journey through the enchanting landscapes of Portugal but also presents an opportunity for moments filled with light refreshment and subtle elegance. This extraordinary wine is perfect for outdoor tea times, spring celebrations, or casual cocktail hours.
Tasting notes
Nose
Palate
Finish
Key features
| Grape Variety Proportions | 40% Encruzado 29% Old Vine Field Blend 23% Gouveio (Godello) |
|---|---|
| Producer | Quinta dos Carvalhais |
| ABV | 14% |
| Bottle Size | 75 cl |
| Country | Portugal |
| Region | Dão |
| Vintage | NV |
| Closure | Natural Cork |
Dietary Notes
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Sustainable
Serving suggestions
- Serve chilled between 8–10°C in elegant tulip-shaped glasses to enhance aromatic expression and freshness.
- Present with a light sprig of fresh herbs (such as fennel fronds or thyme) laid across the glass rim for an herbal aromatic accent.
- Pair with lightly spiced seafood ceviche featuring citrus and ginger to highlight the wine’s balance of acidity and subtle fruitiness.
- Create a refreshing summer aperitif by mixing the white wine with a splash of elderflower cordial and garnishing with thin cucumber ribbons.
- Use as a base for a sophisticated white wine spritz with soda water a twist of lemon peel and edible flower petals for visual appeal.
- Accompany delicate goat cheese and honey crostini topped with crushed toasted almonds to complement texture and subtle sweetness.
- Serve during garden brunches alongside smoked trout on rye crackers with a dollop of horseradish cream to marry smoky and crisp flavors.
- Elevate autumn dinners by pairing with roasted root vegetables glazed in maple and a drizzle of preserved lemon for bright contrast.
- As an inventive twist freeze into small cubes and float in a summer fruit punch or sangria for slow flavor release without dilution.
- Best enjoyed in moments calling for light refreshment and subtle elegance—outdoor teatimes spring celebrations or casual cocktail hours outdoors.
Storage advice
For optimal storage of white wine (such as Quinta dos Carvalhais Dão Branco Especial NV 75cl) the following practical recommendations apply:
- Temperature: Store white wine at a consistent temperature between 45°F and 50°F (7°C to 10°C) to preserve its freshness and aroma. For fuller-bodied whites slightly warmer storage up to 55°F (13°C) is acceptable but avoid fluctuations. Long-term storage is best kept in this cooler range to prevent premature aging.
- Light Exposure: Keep the bottle away from direct sunlight and strong artificial light. Light causes chemical reactions that can degrade wine quality so store it in a dark place or inside an opaque container or wine fridge.
- Sealing: Ensure the bottle remains tightly sealed with its original cork or closure to minimize oxidation. For opened bottles use a wine stopper or vacuum sealer to limit exposure to air and consume within 2–3 days for best quality.
- Bottle Position: Store bottles horizontally if sealed with cork to keep the cork moist and prevent it from drying out which could allow air in. For screw caps bottle position is less critical but horizontal storage is still common practice.
- Humidity: Maintain humidity between 60% to 75% to prevent corks from drying out and shrinking which could let in oxygen and spoil the wine. Too high humidity may cause mold so balanced humidity is important.
- Special Tips: Avoid vibration and strong odors that can disturb the wine. A dedicated wine refrigerator or cellar with controlled environment is ideal for maintaining these conditions consistently. For opened bottles refrigeration is recommended with resealing to slow oxidation.
These conditions help preserve the quality and shelf life of white wine both before and after opening.
Disclaimer
Please be aware that the vintage and other product information provided on our website or in our materials for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is based on data supplied by the manufacturers and distributors. While we strive for accuracy, this information may occasionally be outdated or incorrect due to updates or changes made by the suppliers that have not yet been communicated to us.
Therefore, we cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the vintage, product descriptions, or other details provided.
Crucially, for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding allergens, ingredients, nutritional content, and specific product details, we strongly advise you to ALWAYS carefully check the product labels on the physical bottle or packaging you receive.
Supplier information is subject to change without our direct knowledge, and discrepancies may occur. We are committed to providing the best possible service and information, but the responsibility for verifying critical details, especially those related to health, allergies, and dietary requirements, rests with the consumer upon receipt of the product.
By proceeding with your purchase, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer and agree that we shall not be held liable for any inaccuracies in the vintage or other product information provided that originated from our suppliers.
Thank you for your understanding.
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