Description

What am I: João Tavares da Pina Terras de Tavares 2003

João Tavares da Pina is a bon-vivant, talented cook, and charming conversationalist who is also laser-focused on making pure expressions of his Dão terroir with land that has been in his family for generations. His farm is 40 hectares, with 13 planted with grapes. Dominant on the property are the native Jaen, Rufete and Touriga Nacional red grapes, and Encruzado, Siria, and Bical for white grapes.  He is also bringing back to life several rare and forgotten local varieties in a young vineyard specially planted for this purpose.

In the vineyards, João practices strict organic viticulture and uses no products except for organic compounds. He is somewhat obsessed with the great variety of cover crops that he has on his vineyard. These plants, such as chamomile and lavender, serve as natural fungal repellents and protectors of the vines. The vineyards are mostly granitic, with small parcels of clay, and very ancient marine sedimentary soils.

João has two primary brands that he sells wine under; Rufia, and Torres de Tavares.

Rufia wines tend to be fresh and drinkable young, while Torre de Tavares are more structured and textured wines. Tretas and Lero-Lero stand somewhat alone as their own wines, without a brand, light, fresh reds, right off the press.

Terras de Tavares Red 2003 stands as a minimal intervention gem, hailing from 35-year-old vineyards nestled within the Penalva do Castelo region. This wine is meticulously crafted from a blend of native grape varieties. The soil, a harmonious mix of clay and granite, coupled with a damp vintage, lends its distinct character. A 7-day maceration initiates the transformation, followed by a 6-month maturation period in stainless steel tanks. Subsequently, the wine refines in 400-liter barrels, enhancing its complexity and finesse.