Vineyard and winemaking
Taboadella Reserva Jaen is made entirely from Jaen—the Portuguese identity of the variety known as Mencía across the Spanish border. On the breezy, gentle slopes of Silvã de Cima, granitic soils and Dão altitude foster succulent blue fruit, white spice and a naturally tense structure.
The 2019 grapes were harvested by hand and fully destemmed by vibration. The wine matured for nine months, with 35% in new 500-litre French oak, 45% in older barrels and 20% in stainless steel. This measured division gives depth while preserving the variety's fruit and delicacy.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Deep purple-ruby with a bright, concentrated rim.
Nose
Blueberry, blackberry and black cherry are lifted by allspice, violet, cracked pepper and a cool earthy note.
Palate
Tense yet supple, with juicy dark fruit and fine, coated tannins. Fresh acidity keeps the concentrated middle palate agile, while white pepper and granite carry a mouth-watering, persistent finish. A short decant will help the wine unfold.
Food pairing
Try it with pork tenderloin and ginger, lamb chops with thyme, beef carpaccio, or grilled portobello mushrooms. Its combination of spice and freshness is also excellent with firm cheeses such as São Jorge or Lancashire.
Background story
Taboadella regards Jaen as one of the estate's treasures: a grape capable of intense fruit and spice without losing a delicate, modern feel. The 2019 technical release comprised 18,000 bottles, made as a focused single-variety portrait of the Dão.
The estate occupies a triangular plateau between the Vale do Pereiro and Vale do Sequeiro valleys. Its 42 hectares are divided into 26 parcels, farmed through an integrated system without irrigation to preserve the character of the land.
