Encruzado

Encruzado is one of the old white grape varieties of the Dão, where it develops a mineral depth on granite and at altitude that distinguishes it from most Portuguese white wines. It ripens late, copes with cooler nights and produces wines that have structure and ageing potential – rather unusual for Portugal.

The name means „crossed“ and refers to the characteristic pattern of the leaf veins. What defines the variety is less about fruit than texture – a certain density reminiscent of white Burgundy, without its richness. At Quinta da Lomba – Niepoort, one can see what Encruzado is capable of when given time.