Quinta de Saes Encruzado is a striking example of the Dão region's elegance and aging potential. Made exclusively from the native Encruzado grape, grown on granite soils with clay and sandy streaks at 500 meters altitude, this wine showcases both purity and precision. The cool climate and altitude contribute to its tension and freshness, offering a refined expression of one of Portugal's most distinctive white varieties.
After a few hours of skin contact on harvest day, fermentation proceeds slowly over two and a half months using natural yeasts in stainless steel. The wine is then aged on fine lees with bâtonnage for three months, enhancing mouthfeel and volume, followed by an additional nine months of maturation before bottling. The result is a wine of structure and finesse, built to evolve beautifully over time.
On the nose, it reveals layers of citrus, green apple, and white flowers, complemented by wet stone and a saline edge. The palate is vibrant and linear, marked by high-toned acidity, a mineral backbone, and juicy citrus and stone fruit. A dry and elegant finish rounds out this age-worthy white — reminiscent of Chablis in its precision and longevity.