Quinta dos Carvalhais Encruzado Dão 2022

The grapes were hand harvested into small 20kg boxes and unloaded directly into the pneumatic press. After gentle whole-bunch pressing, the must was settled over 24 hours and then transferred to stainless-steel tanks to begin fermentation. Half of the wine proceeded to new French oak barrels of varying sizes (225 litre, 500 litre and 1,000 litre) where it was fermented at 19ºC for a period of 20 days. While some of the wine was aged in stainless steel tanks, 70% was aged for around 6 months in different-sized barrels of French oak. During this period, the wine frequently underwent 'batonnage' to increase texture and body on the palate.

The 2022 vintage in the Dão was characterised by hot and dry conditions. Winter rains were significantly lower than usual and there was a heatwave in July with peak temperatures of 43°C. Meticulous attention to detail was required in the vineyards throughout the growing cycle to help the vines withstand the heat and drought, but the older vines with deeper root systems coped relatively well throughout. The harvest at Quinta dos Carvalhais began on 23rd August and ended on 26th September. The berries were smaller than usual, resulting in wines with great concentration of flavour, and, despite the hot and dry year, the wines still have the characteristic freshness of the Dão.