Vineyards and winemaking
Villae Tinto 2020 blends 40% Tinta Roriz with 20% each of Jaen, Alfrocheiro and Tinta Pinheira. The grapes come from Taboadella's elevated granitic vineyards in Silvã de Cima, where the Dão's meeting of maritime and continental influences supports slow ripening and naturally fresh reds.
The varieties fermented in stainless steel, with part of the wine subsequently matured in used French oak. This gentle élevage softens the blend and adds savoury detail while keeping its bright fruit and varietal interplay at the forefront.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Brilliant ruby-red of moderate depth.
Nose
Red cherry, wild strawberry and plum are joined by violet, peppercorn and a light woodland-earth note.
Palate
Juicy and medium-bodied, with fresh red fruit, smooth tannins and lively acidity. Jaen and Alfrocheiro bring fragrance and spice around Tinta Roriz's core, while Tinta Pinheira adds delicacy. The finish is balanced, savoury and quietly mineral.
Food pairing
A versatile red for roast veal, pork and fennel sausages, duck-leg pie, or tomato-braised beans with kale. Serve lightly cool with charcuterie or a simple farmhouse cheese board.
Background story
The Villae wines introduce Taboadella through blends of traditional Dão varieties. Rather than pursuing the weight of the Grande Villae range, this red is composed for clarity, ease and the natural freshness of its highland origins.
The Amorim family's restoration of Taboadella combines a 42-hectare, non-irrigated vineyard with a low-impact winery built from natural materials. Archaeological remains, including a Roman wine press, reveal that this apparently modern project rests on more than fifteen centuries of wine history.
