Vineyards
Located on the breezy altitudes of the Dão region, Taboadella’s Jaen vines thrive on granitic soils, allowing this Iberian grape variety to achieve exceptional aromatic complexity. The vineyard’s gentle slopes and cool climate foster a combination of succulent dark fruits and white spice aromas, showcasing the terroir’s unique expression.
Winemaking
This wine is crafted exclusively from 100% Jaen grapes (also known as Mencía in Spain) and is vinified with careful, modern techniques that include 100% destemming. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for nine months: 35% in new French oak barrels, 45% in older barrels, and 20% in stainless steel vats. This balanced approach preserves the wine’s fresh fruit character while integrating depth and spice from the oak.
Appearance
Deep purple, with intense, dense colouring that reflects its structure.
Nose
Rich aromas of dark fruits, blackberries, and forest berries meld with notes of allspice and earth, adding layers of complexity to its aromatic profile.
Palate
Full-bodied and densely structured, the Jaen 2019 offers a vibrant palate with firm tannins and flavours of rich black fruits. Hints of spice and earth tones add depth, leading to a long, mouth-watering finish that will continue to develop with age.
Food pairing
An ideal match for Portugal’s heartier dishes, such as leitão (suckling pig) or grilled pork tenderloin with ginger and lime. It also pairs beautifully with beef carpaccio, lamb marinated in herbs, and Portuguese cheeses like Queijo de São Jorge, Rabaçal, or Évora.
Accolades
92 points, Wine Advocate, 91 points, Wine Enthusiast,
Background story
Located in the Dão region, the Taboadella estate combines deep historical roots with modern winemaking. The Amorim family, known for their contributions to the wine industry since 1870, purchased the estate and revitalized its unique 42-hectare vineyard in Silvã de Cima. Sitting on a high plateau between the Vale do Pereiro and Vale do Sequeiro valleys, this vineyard benefits from granite soils and a climate influenced by both Atlantic and continental patterns. These elements foster a balanced environment, where native Portuguese grape varieties thrive without irrigation, preserving the land’s authentic expression.
Taboadella’s winery, designed by architect Carlos Castanheira, reflects the family’s commitment to sustainability and precision. Using natural materials like cork and wood, the building is integrated into the landscape, with advanced gravity flow systems that minimize handling and protect the fruit’s integrity. Wines are aged in French oak barrels crafted from century-old trees, a process that enhances the wines' elegance and complexity.
Beyond its contemporary revival, Taboadella’s history dates back to Roman times, evident from ancient relics such as a 1st-century wine press carved into monolithic rock, underscoring the area’s longstanding winemaking heritage. This unique blend of ancient tradition and modern expertise allows Taboadella’s wines to authentically capture the essence of the Dão terroir, embodying both the legacy and future of this historic wine region
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