Quinta de Saes Rose

Alfrocheiro / Tinta Roriz / Jaen / Baga / Cabernet Sauvignon

Dão, Portugal

There is no modern Dão without one of the region’s longtime legends, Alvaro Castro, whose estate encompasses two small properties (or “quintas”) known as Pellada and Saes. Alvaro makes wine here with his daughter Maria, carrying on a tradition of winemaking on this property that dates to the 16th century! Together, they have resisted the internationalization push of the ‘80s and ‘90s, instead doubling down on their slow-wine approach, using local varieties grown and crafted in the true Dāo “field blend” style.  

This wine came from Alvaro and Maria’s experimentation with new grape varieties, most of which were unsuccessful. But always making lemonade out the situation, they kept the Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard for exclusive use in this rosé, where it adds a fresh, spicy character.