Lagar comes from a clos—known as a tapada in Portuguese—a walled vineyard of about one hectare that Vizinho Vinhateiro began farming in 2021 after it was nearly abandoned. The parcel is divided into two halves: one planted in 1982 with Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Jaen, and Alfrocheiro; the other much older, with vines up to 130 years old. This older section contains a high proportion of white grapes, including Bical, Sercial, and Fernão Pires, alongside reds like Baga, Touriga, Tinta Carvalha, and Rufete. The entire site is harvested on the same day to preserve balance and integrity.
Following ancestral methods, the grapes are foot-trodden in a granite lagar and undergo a 60-hour maceration before being pressed. Fermentation and aging take place in French oak barrels, with 20% new oak, and the wine is bottled after one year on the lees. This low-intervention approach results in a wine that bridges the traditional and modern—structured yet approachable, expressive of both place and vintage.
Lagar shows a deep crimson hue and a layered aroma combining dark red fruit, sweet and savory notes, and a subtle minty lift. The palate is fresh and deep, with ripe but restrained fruit, gentle tannins, and a texture that feels both grounded and refined. It’s a wine with aging potential, offering a nuanced expression of Dão’s heritage and energy.