Everything has aligned
for the 2013 crop of Dão wine’s. The
climate variations which have surfaced over the past year in Portugal, may have resulted in the best
crop of Dão wine of all time.
The producers of the region name the persistent
rain as the main reason for the general disappointment that had settled between
them, in the middle of the season. José Perdigão, producer Quinta do Perdigão, said that the producers had to be strong
to watch the rain menace their harvest.
Fortunately, near the end of the season there
was a drastic change in the climate and it seems, now, that the year of 2013
will be the ideal year for this wines. For
example, the white wines of Dão have an above-average quality due
to the high level of alcohol which was caused by the temperature rise registered
at the end of the harvest. This dehydrated grapes and concentrated alcohol,
resulting in high colored and full-bodied wines.
The winery Quinta
do Perdigão can be regarded as a reference for what will happen in the
region. This house has experienced great success in Nordic countries and has
been awarded a score of 90 points by the most influential critics so, it seems
that this region will have a fantastic year.
The investment in equipment and training by
small producers as well as by the cooperative association has indeed paid off. Also, it has had a positive impact on exports
numbers. José Perdigão says Dão was never this competent or had so
many reputable brands like nowadays. He believes that the
key is to maintain the quality and don’t forget that this success comes only
from hard work.
