Carlos Raposo "Impecável" Dão Tinto '22

Carlos Raposo, who died far too young in March of this year, was one of the most compelling voices to emerge from the Dão in recent years. A native of Nelas, he studied viticulture and winemaking in Burgundy and Bordeaux before working in Spain, Australia, and California. He returned to Portugal in 2011 and spent several years working closely with Dirk Niepoort before establishing his own project in 2018. His wines were defined by low intervention, indigenous varieties, and a desire to capture the freshness and elegance of his native region.

“Impecável” is made entirely from Touriga Nacional, a variety that originated in the Dão but is too often pushed toward excessive ripeness, extraction, and oak. Raposo wanted to show a more delicate and transparent side of the grape. The fruit comes primarily from 30 to 50 year old vines in Serra da Estrela, the coolest subregion of the Dão, where elevation and granite soils help preserve acidity and freshness.

The grapes were harvested by hand, carefully sorted, destemmed, and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine completed malolactic fermentation and aged for six months in stainless steel, without any oak. The gentle extraction and restrained alcohol allow the floral and mineral character of Touriga Nacional to take center stage.

The 2022 is beautifully aromatic, with violet, bergamot, dark cherry, pine needles, and subtle spice. The palate is medium bodied and energetic, with soft tannins, bright acidity, and a long, stony finish. This is an elegant, exceptionally drinkable expression of Touriga Nacional. Try it with roast pork seasoned with rosemary and garlic.