DAC Branco

Rui Abecassis, founder of Obrigado: “Alvaro Castro inherited Quinta da Pellada, his family estate, in 1980, replanted, and released his first vintage in 1989. Since then, oblivious to trends and fads, he has been making wines that please him and are true to his memories of old guard 1970/80’s Dão wines. Quinta da Pellada is arguably the best producer in the Dão. History shows that vines have been grown at Quinta da Pellada since at least the XVI century, when in 1527 the crown’s treasury taxed the property ‘80 barrels to the king.’ Although impossible to verify now what the king thought, let alone if the barrels ever got to him, it is clear that the taxes are an irrefutable certification of the wine’s existence!”

What makes this wine unique?

Vineyards of Bical, Cercial and Encruzado planted at 550 meters elevation in central Dão. DAC Branco is an extraordinary value wine, marked by an intuitive, ‘less is more’ approach winemaking and sustainable agriculture.

Rating history

2012 93W&S. DAC Alvaro Castro recognized as one of 100 Best Wineries of 2014 by Wine & Spirits Magazine

Grape

40% Bical, 40% Cercial, 20% Encruzado. Organically grown vines planted in 1988. Tended in granite, clay and sandy soil at 550 m (1,804 ft) elevation

Vinification and ageing

Manual harvest happens mid/late September. Bical is round, Cercial is delicate and low on alcohol, and Encruzado is acidic. Skin contact for 6 to 8 hours. Pressed, it ferments in stainless steel tanks. Batonage for 2 to 3 months. Filtered and bottled in May.

Production

3,000 cases

Tasting notes

This wine has that elusive combination of weight and elegance, fruit and minerality. It piles citrus flavors over notes of apples and apricots, a medley of fruits that are shaped into a firm, concentrated structure. Bright acidity complements the ripe fruit, and finishes with a light note of toast and mineral.

Alcohol Content

12.5%

UPC Code

5606686001178