Porta Dos Cavaleiros Tinto

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Porta dos Cavaleiros is Caves São João’s tribute to the Dão region. For nearly a century, the Costa family has been a cornerstone of Portuguese winemaking, utilizing traditional methods and indigenous varietals. Launched in the 1950s, Porta dos Cavaleiros was born out of long-standing relationships with Dão growers. The Costa family's unwavering commitment and extensive resources, built over generations, have allowed them to continue producing and aging wines in the Dão, even as market demands shifted. This dedication provides us with access to perfectly aged, mature wines that represent a significant chapter in Portugal’s viticultural history. These wines are pristine examples of maturity, showcasing profound finesse and unparalleled complexity. Caves São João remains the only winery in Portugal offering commercial library releases of still wines, with vintages dating back to the 1950s.

WHAT MAKES THIS WINE UNIQUE?

Perfectly aged Dão red, exhibiting all the hallmarks of a mature wine that has been impeccably stored. Made in a style that predates the modern push toward big fruit and alcohol, instead exemplifying the elegance and terroir driven wines that predominated Portuguese winemaking prior to the early 1990s.

RATING HISTORY:

1989 93View from the Cellar

GRAPE:

25% Alfrocheiro, 25% Preto de Mortagua, 25% Tinta Roriz, 25% Baga

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:

Ideal for accompanying roasted or grilled meats, cheeses, among many other delicacies of intense flavors and textures.

VINIFICATION AND AGING:

Open top fermentation with extended macerations. 24 months aging in cement tanks before being filtered and bottled. Bottled in 1991.

LOCATION, SOIL, CLIMATE:

These vineyards are planted in the Dão, which has one of the best microclimates for viticulture in all of Portugal. Surrounded on all sides by 3 different mountain ranges, the Dão is completely protected from cold wind and rain from the Atlantic as well as Continental storms. Warm and dry throughout the first part of the growing season, the late summer grows rapidly cooler, which allows for slower maturation of fruit and longer hangtime. The region might well have been created with winemaking in mind. The vineyards are between 400 and 800m of elevation high in the hills, and are planted on decomposed schist and granite, giving the wines hallmark acidity and minerality.

TASTING NOTES:

The wine presents a bright red-garnet hue. The nose reveals layered aromas of dried cherry, rose petals, tobacco, white pepper, and a hint of flint. On the palate, elegant flavors of dried red berries and fresh Rainier cherry form the core, intertwined with floral notes, minerality, pipe tobacco, and forest floor nuances. The wine is balanced by refreshing acidity and has a long, refined finish.

ALCOHOL CONTENT:

13%

UPC CODE:

5601831202974