Grão Vasco, Dão Branco

Grapes for the Grão Vasco wines are sourced from a network of trusted Dão growers who adhere to sustainable practices in their vineyards. The vineyards sit at an average of 450 metres above sea level and cool nights counteract the warmth of the days, ensuring that the grapes undergo a slow ripening process and retain a fresh acidity whilst accumulating concentrated varietal aromas.

2023 was a year of extreme conditions and hard work in the Dão. The growing cycle was balanced, with settled spring weather. This was followed by a very dry summer and some extremely hot days (reaching +44°C). Harvest began on 23rd August, lasting until 21st September. The first rains in September allowed the grapes to ripen fully and be harvested in optimum condition, however, the advent of continued rainfall required constant adjustment, more rigorous selection in both the vineyard and winery, and quick action to bring the harvest to a close before the worst of the rains arrived.

After careful destemming, and gentle pressing in a pneumatic press, the must was subject to static decanting at low temperatures for a period of 24 hours, in order to obtain a very clear must. The different grape varieties were vinified separately in stainless-steel tanks at cool temperatures of 16°C to retain their aromatics and freshness and the fermentation lasted for approximately 15 days. Grão Vasco Branco is unoaked and bottled after four months of ageing in stainless-steel tanks.