Terras do Dão

Terroir

• Predominantly granitic soils with pockets of pre-Cambrian xistos, low in organic matter and with a low pH.
• Mountain massifs surround the area, sheltering it from continental easterly winds and humid air masses from the coast.
• Temperate climate with 1,100–1,600 mm of annual rainfall and 2,200–2,700 hours of sunshine, concentrated between May and August.
• Cold winters and hot summers with very significant diurnal temperature ranges, favouring the preservation of grape acidity.
• A dense hydrographic network formed by numerous deep valleys facilitates soil weathering and the accumulation of water during winter.

• Viticulture in this region has been documented since the twelfth century, with millenary roots attested by archaeological evidence.
• The selection of traditional grape varieties is the result of a deliberate human choice to achieve the best viticultural adaptation to local conditions.

• Sparkling wines with a fine, persistent bead and integrated acidity; all wines characterised by mineral notes and a lingering finish.

• Low-pH granitic soils poor in organic matter impart a distinctive mineral character and firm natural acidity to the wines.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the the caderno de especificações.

Sources

• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PGI-PT-02352
• Official trade body site — Comissão Vitivinícola Regional do Dão