Casa de Mouraz

The cellar uses the best of modern technology but with traditional methods applied first, and is located in a stone house cut from the very rock beneath them. Gentle pressings, natural yeast starters, long lees contact in the wine and minimal handling otherwise are the time-honored practices. Stainless steel tanks with temperature control and pneumatic presses enhance the prospects. The results are clear: pure expressions of the older grape vines, with distinct transparency to the terroir they have grown up on, while still fresh and pleasurable enough to drink young and often. Antonio and Sara are a dynamic team, active in promoting the spread of their philosophies to neighboring vignerons. The more they press, the better their wine, and the wines of Portugal as a whole, will be! We think the monks would be happy, too.
- Savio Soares

About the Winemaker

Casa de Mouraz

In the ancient terrain between the Estrela and Caramulo mountain ranges, where the monastery of St. Pedro de Mouraz was erected by Cister monks in the 12th century, Antonio Lopes Ribiero and Sara Dionisio have revived age-old vineyard traditions. Inheriting generations of vines, they transformed them into the Dão region's first certified organic vineyard in 2000, now fully embracing biodynamic farming. Their return from careers in the London art world was driven by a commitment to preserve their family heritage. Focused on expressing terroir through local varieties, they meticulously tend to thirteen hectares across ten parcels with varying soils, altitudes, and surroundings. Combining modern technology with traditional methods in their stone cellar.

The Region

Dão, Portugal

In the heart of Portugal, the Dão region stands as a beacon of natural winemaking principles. Nestled among the rugged hills and ancient forests, Dão's winemakers embrace traditional methods that prioritize the purity of the grape and the integrity of the land. Here, vineyards are often farmed organically or biodynamically, with a focus on biodiversity and minimal intervention. The result is wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region, characterized by its granite soils and temperate climate. Dão's natural wines showcase a remarkable balance of fruit, acidity, and minerality, with reds dominated by indigenous varieties such as Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz, and whites featuring Encruzado and Bical. These wines often exhibit vibrant flavors of red berries, wild herbs, and floral notes, with a sense of freshness and vitality that speaks to the region's natural beauty. With its commitment to sustainable practices and artisanal winemaking, Dão has emerged as a leading destination for those seeking authentic and soulful wines that capture the essence of Portugal's winemaking tradition.