Quinta da Mariposa Encruzado, Dão, Portugal, 2019

Producer Profile

Quinta da Mariposa is a ‘distinctly Dão’ producer, making wines that are characteristic of the region from only native varieties; including Encruzado, Jaen and Tinta Roriz. After working with some of the best wineries of the Dão region, oenologist Lúcia Freitas returned to her family estate in Terras de Senhorim to establish Quinta da Mariposa – a project that harmonizes her respect for tradition and her dream of making wines of extraordinary character from the region she knows so well. Together with her husband Filipe, plans are currently underway to convert the town’s local nightclub into a winery, serendipitously this is where the couple danced together when they were young.

Viticulture

Quinta da Mariposa practice sustainable agriculture so they can craft wine whilst also preserving the wine culture for future generations. They only use native varieties found in the Dão region, ensuring their crop is perfectly suited to the soil and the climate. Their estate is modest and everything is done by hand.

Winemaking

The grapes were harvested manually into 20 kg boxes, with a pre-selection in the vineyard. The grapes were selected a second time on a sorting table, cooled and immediately pressed. The resulting must was transferred to new and used French oak barrels, where it completed the fermentation and remained for about 6 months, with battonage, to gently stirr the fine lees.

Oak Ageing

6 Months

Tasting Note

Citrus yellow colour, floral aroma's with slight toasted notes and hint of granite minerality. On the palate it is unctuous with citrus notes and a lively acidity. The finish is long and vibrant.

Food Matching

Baked fish, lobster and light curry dishes.