ENCRUZADO

Whilst perhaps not the most famous, Encruzado is arguably Portugal's finest white grape variety. It is planted widely in the granite hills of the Dão wine region located to the centre of Portugal. The best examples of Encruzado have delicate aromas of roses and violets, light citrus notes, a touch of resin and, in certain conditions, intensely mineral notes. Amongst its virtues is the ability to maintain almost perfect balance between sugar and acidity, making serious, rich, structured wines with extraordinary ageing potential. It is used both as a single variety and as a star ingredient in many Dão blends.