I first discovered the “Titular” wine label from Dão back in 2016 when I wrote here about their varietal made from the Jaen grape. I was impressed, and this week I was impressed again when trying their red reserva and a white blend. The Reserva is on special offer at Apolónia until Sunday, reduced by 30% from €12.95 to €8.99, and the white by 20% from €10.95 to €8.75.
A little bit of background … Titular is the name given to a range of mid-priced wines made by Caminhos Cruzados, one of the larger Dão producers whose best-known brand (in the lower price range) is the very respectable Casa de Santar.
Under the Titular label, they make numerous varietals in both red and white as well as a “Blush Edition” rosé.
Amongst the whites, I particularly enjoyed the Encruzado/Malvasia blend. This white is un-oaked, with lovely herbal notes on the nose, balanced and fresh in the mouth – an excellent Dão white.
The red reserve, however, is the most impressive of all, representing outstanding value for money even at the usual price. It is a typical Dão blend of Touriga Nacional with Alfrocheiro and Tinta Roriz, fermented individually and then aged in a both new and used oak.
On the nose, there are intense jammy fruity notes with well-integrated oak; on the lighter side of full bodied in the mouth with good depth of flavour and a nice dry finish. All in all, this is a red of great elegance and, whilst this 2015 is already drinking well, a few more years in the bottle will be well rewarded.
By Patrick Stuart
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