Alvaro Castro, Dao Branco, 2023

£19.90

Fresh, mineral Dão white from Álvaro Castro. Indigenous blend (Encruzado, Cerceal Branco, Bical, Malvasia Fina) fermented in stainless steel with 3 months bâtonnage for a silky, citrus-led finish.

grapefruit
green apple
lemon zest
mineral

At a glance

Producer: Alvaro Castro
Region: Dão
Appellation: Dão DOC
Grape: Malvasia Fina Encruzado Cerceal Branco Bical
Vintage: 2023
Country: Portugal
Wine type: White
Alcohol: 13.0%
Size: 75.0cl

Taste profile

Body: Light
Acidity: High
Tannin: Low
Sweetness: Dry

What to eat with it

grilled sardines
bacalhau à Brás (salt cod)
lemon-garlic roast chicken
clams in white wine and garlic

How to serve it

Serve: Cool (10–12°C)

Why Cave selected it

Benchmark value white from a leading Dão producer: clean, mineral and food‑friendly, made from local grapes and farmed organically.

About the wine

Grapes are hand-picked and fermentation occurs in temperature controlled, stainless steel tanks. Wine undergoes 3 months of battonage in tank before bottling. Light fresh and aromatic a great way into the white of Portugal.

About Alvaro Castro

Today the Dão is probably the best place in Portugal to find fresher aromatic styles of wine made from one of the many interesting indigenous grape varieties Portugal has to offer. And Alvaro Castro is arguably the best winemaker in the region. With white varieties such as Encruzado, Cerceal Branco and Bical and reds such as the Tourigas Nacional and Roriz, Alfrocheiro, Jaen, Tinta Amarela and Tinta Cão, it’s not surprising that Alvaro makes many different wines. What links them is his mix of traditional and modern techniques, creating wines of balance and integrity.

More about Alvaro Castro →