Alianca Tinto Dao DOC

The hand-picked grapes are sourced from selected vineyards in the Dao region south of the Douro Valley, where old vines are tended traditionally in granite soil. The grapes undergo a cold, pre-fermentation maceration for 5 days, followed by a final alcoholic fermentation lasting around 4 days. The wine also undergoes malolactic fermentation, and is then matured for 12 months in (2nd year) French and Russian oak.

One of Portugal's largest and most progressive producers with 600 hectares spread across estates in five regions from Douro in the north to Alentejo in the south. Winemaker Francisco Antunes oversees what must be one of the most diverse ranges in Europe, from the 3rd largest Portuguese rose brand (Casal Mendes) to some of the country's most impressive premium reds from estates in Douro, Dao, Bairrada and Alentejo. Arguably, Francisco's greatest achievements lie between these extremes, a range of mid-priced wines from native varieties, full of character, quite distinctly Portuguese, but at the same time approachable and with fresh, modern fruit.

Aliança has been part of Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal since 2007 and all wines are now being brought under the Bacalhôa name.