At the foot of the Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s highest mountain range, lies one of the coolest parts of the Dão. Here, vineyards at around 500 metres above sea level grow on the region’s characteristic granitic soils. Altitude and considerable differences between day and night temperatures help preserve acidity and give the wines a freshness and tension that distinguish this mountainous corner of central Portugal.
Textura Wines is a family project founded in 2018 by Brazilian-born Marcelo Villela de Araújo and his wife, Patricia Berardi. Based in São Paio, near Gouveia, on the slopes of the Serra da Estrela, they work organically and focus on terroir-driven wines from different vineyards and sites in the Dão. The project combines Araújo and Berardi’s vision with the winemaking of Mariana Salvador and consultant Luís Seabra.
Textura da Estrela 2023 is a white blend of 65% encruzado, 20% bical and 15% cerceal, sourced entirely from vineyards in the Serra da Estrela. The wine is spontaneously fermented in oak and aged for 11 months in used French foudres and barriques. The intention is not to make an oaky wine, but to use the wood to build texture while allowing the fruit, acidity and granitic character of the vineyards to remain at the centre of the wine.
Textura da Estrela 2023 (Textura Wines)
Medium-deep greenish yellow. The nose opens with ripe lemon, yellow apple and peach, followed by white flowers, dried herbs, hazelnut and a discreet smoky note. There is considerable texture on the palate – broad and slightly creamy, yet held together by fresh acidity. Ripe citrus and yellow stone fruit are joined by herbs, nuts and a distinctly savoury, saline mineral character. Dry, structured and persistent, with a long, slightly spicy finish. A substantial yet fresh mountain white from Dão.