Carlos Lucas Vinhos, Vinha de Santa Maria Branco Granitico Single Vineyard, DOC Dão , Portugal, 2022

Producer Profile

Carlos Lucas is the man behind a portfolio of quality wines from across Portugal, including the Douro, and the region closest to his heart, the Dão.

A pioneer of modern-style Portuguese wines and a talented winemaker with nearly 30 years of experience, he has replanted the vineyards at Quinta do Ribeiro Santo where his Dão wines are created from the area’s poor granite soils. His commitment to the region was affirmed when he acquired Quinta de Santa Maria, in Cabanas de Viriato, a ten-hectare plot of old vines planted with Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alfrochiero and Jaen. Vineyards are managed using an integrated crop management system, with grapes harvested by hand into small boxes and careful selection in the vineyard, in order to produce a modern expression of authentic Portuguese varieties. His other projects take him across the country, and with the latest addition, ‘A River Runs Through It’ from the Douro we can see his immeasurable talent on display once again.

Viticulture

The Vinha Santa Maria vineyard sits on granitic soil with large rocky outcrops in the DOC Dão at an altitude of between 400-600m. Temperature is influenced by the rivers Dão and Mondego, although in general the site has hot and dry summers, and cold winters.

Winemaking

Harvested by hand. Grapes from come from a single vineyard. Following an integrated production model, there is total destemming and pressing of the grapes. There is a selection of the grape must and cooling at low temperatures for 24h. Fermentation carried out in stainless steel vats, with temperatures of 15ºC for 20 days with indigenous yeast. Unoaked.

Oak Ageing

No oak ageing

Tasting Note

This is an authentic expression of Encruzado. Clear, with green shades, this is fresh and elegant. Crunchy peach and white flower notes on the nose. A medium body on the palate, balanced by the crispy acidity and the citric characters.

Food Matching

Don't overpower the wine with too much flavour, think delicate salads, smoked salmon, ceviche, and maybe light curries.