In the mountainous region of Dão — now considered one of Portugal's most promising wine regions — Quinta da Pellada stands as a symbol of tradition, balance, and quiet brilliance. Surrounded by granite soils and sheltered by the Serra da Estrela mountains, the area provides ideal conditions for native grape varieties to express themselves with precision, thanks to cool Atlantic breezes and dramatic day-night temperature swings.
At the helm of the estate is Álvaro Castro — one of Portugal's most respected winemakers. Since the 1980s, he has followed his own path, avoiding global homogenization and instead deepening his focus on terroir and origin. Today, he works alongside his daughter Maria, continuing a winemaking tradition that has existed on the estate since the 16th century. Their philosophy is to create wines of finesse and authenticity — rather than sheer power and opulence.
Quinta da Pellada and its sister estate Quinta de Saes host an impressive spectrum of Portuguese grape varieties. Among the whites, Encruzado stands out with its structure and aromatics; among the reds are Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Jaen, and more. The crown jewel is the legendary Casa e Mata plot — an ancient vineyard where 48 different grape varieties grow side by side in a classic Portuguese "field blend" system.
The wines from Quinta da Pellada are defined by bright acidity, clear structure, and restrained power. The whites are elegant with marked texture — often compared to white Burgundy — while the reds are aromatic and vibrant with silky tannins and long aging potential. Sustainable farming and minimal intervention in the cellar are central to the philosophy, allowing the grape and place to speak for themselves.
Whether it's single-varietal wines or complex blends, every bottle from Quinta da Pellada is marked by deep respect for origin and an uncompromising pursuit of quality. With their artisanal approach and instinct for balance, Álvaro and Maria Castro continue to show why Dão is one of Portugal's most exciting wine regions — now and for the future.
