Producer

Domínio do Açor was founded with the ambition of reviving some of the Dão's most exceptional terroirs through precision viticulture and a contemporary interpretation of the region's historic grape varieties. Planted on granite soils and farmed organically, the vineyards produce wines of remarkable elegance, freshness and a profound sense of place.

The estate follows a philosophy of minimal intervention, favouring spontaneous fermentations, gentle infusion rather than extraction, and carefully judged ageing to preserve the purity of the fruit and the unique expression of each individual parcel.

Wine

Domínio do Açor Jaen Alterita 3 2023 is a remarkably elegant expression of Jaen, sourced from two of the estate's historic vineyard parcels.

Approximately two-thirds of the grapes come from Vinha Nascente, planted in 1990 on sandy soils, while the remaining fruit is sourced from Vinha Velha, planted in 1989 on sandy-loam soils. This blend combines the energy and finesse of the former with the depth and complexity of the latter.

Fermentation takes place in open granite lagares with 39% whole clusters and moderate temperatures between 20 and 24°C. The winemaking focuses on gentle infusion rather than extraction, using only manual pump-overs during seven days of maceration. The inclusion of whole clusters contributes a subtle semi-carbonic character that enhances the wine's aromatic purity, freshness and elegance.

Following malolactic fermentation in tank, the wine is aged for 17 months in used 400 L and 500 L French oak barrels, followed by an additional three months in stainless steel before bottling. It is neither fined nor filtered.

The result is a Jaen of remarkable precision, silky texture and vibrant freshness, where delicate red fruit, floral notes and pronounced granite-derived minerality lead to a long, refined finish.

Technical Information

Region: Dão, Portugal

Grape Variety: 100% Jaen

Vineyards

• 66% from Vinha Nascente (17 rows planted in 1990)

• 33% from Vinha Velha (5 rows planted in 1989)

Soils

• Sandy

• Sandy-loam

Vinification

• Fermentation in open granite lagares

• 39% whole clusters

• Fermentation temperature: 20–24°C

• Infusion-style extraction

• Manual pump-overs

• 7 days of maceration

• Malolactic fermentation in tank

• Unfined

• Unfiltered

• Fine lees ageing with natural settling

Ageing

• 17 months in used French oak:

  • One 400 L barrel

  • Three 500 L barrels

• Additional 3 months in stainless steel before bottling

Scores

Robert Parker Wine Advocate: 94 points

"Much more precise, elegant and balanced."

— Luis Gutiérrez, Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Luis Gutiérrez also notes that Jaen Alterita 3 2023 is an especially refined interpretation of the variety. Sourced predominantly from sandy soils and fermented with a significant proportion of whole clusters, it delivers exceptional precision, freshness and balance.

Note: The published Wine Advocate review refers to approximately 70% whole clusters, while the technical information provided by the winery specifies 39% whole clusters. The technical details above follow the winery's official specifications, while the critic's remark has been translated faithfully.

Food Pairing

• Roast lamb

• Duck and game birds

• Wild mushrooms

• Duck rice

• Medium-aged hard cheeses