# Vila Romana Tinto (2021)

- **Producer:** Dominio Do Açor
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Touriga Nacional 70%, Tinta Roriz 30%
- **Region:** Dão, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €25
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** wild berries, red cherry, red plum, black cherry, black plum, herbal, well-integrated wood, spicy, earth

## About this wine

Vila Romana Tinto is the entry-level red wine from Dominio Do Açor, a producer in Portugal's Dão region. Established in 2021 on a historic estate with old vines, Dominio Do Açor aims to produce elegant, mineral-driven wines that express the unique terroir. The estate's vineyards are situated in Terras de Senhorim, characterized by granite soils and a moderate continental climate that promotes slow grape ripening. The winemaking team includes oenologist Luís Lopes, who brings experience from Burgundy and Dão.

## Interesting facts

- The estate boasts vineyards planted as far back as 1961.
- Winemaker Luís Lopes has experience at renowned estates in Burgundy.
- The vineyards are in conversion to organic and biodynamic farming.
- The producer works with terroir consultant Pedro Parra.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium body and fine, elegant tannins complement the protein in red meats and game, while its ripe acidity cuts through richer dishes. Herbal notes in the wine can echo herbs used in cooking, creating harmonious pairings.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Vila Romana Tinto begins with total destemming without crushing, followed by a two-day cold skin maceration. Spontaneous fermentation takes place in traditional granite 'lagares' and cement vats for 7 to 10 days at temperatures between 20-28°C. Malolactic fermentation is conducted in stainless steel. The wine then undergoes 18 months of aging on its fine lees, with 50% in used 500-liter oak barrels and 50% in cement vats, followed by a final three months in stainless steel before bottling.