10 Jun Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Taboadella Villae White 2023, Dão, Portugal

Encruzado is one of my favorite white grapes. Grown in Portugal’s Dão region, it produces wines that are fresh, mineral-driven, and structured, often reminding me of Chablis for its balance and precision. So when I had the opportunity to try the Taboadella Villae White 2023, a blend led by Encruzado and supported by Bical and Cerceal Branco, it immediately caught my attention and, and after tasting it, it is the Please The Palate wine of the week.

About Taboadella

Taboadella is part of the wine portfolio of the Amorim Group, a family whose connection to the wine world dates back to 1870, when they began producing cork stoppers for the Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Today, the fourth generation of the family, led by Luísa Amorim, oversees vineyard holdings in both the Dão and Douro regions, focusing on indigenous Portuguese grape varieties and sustainable farming practices.

The history of Taboadella stretches even further back. Records of the estate date to 1255, and archaeological research has revealed that the site was once home to a Roman villa, a rural estate that included vineyards, agricultural buildings, and a winepress. These early traces of viticulture highlight the long-standing connection between the land and wine production in the Dão region.

Today, the vineyard spans 42 hectares in the sub-region of Castendo, situated on a triangular plateau between 420 and 530 meters above sea level. Protected by surrounding mountains, the site benefits from a transitional climate between Atlantic and continental influences, creating ideal conditions for producing balanced, expressive wines.

Tasting Notes

The Taboadella Villae White 2023 is a blend of indigenous Portuguese grape varieties: Encruzado (30%), Bical (40%), and Cerceal Branco (30%). Encruzado is considered one of Portugal’s finest white grape varieties and is native to the Dão region. Known for its structure, minerality, and aging potential, it often produces wines with a balance of freshness and richness that can resemble classic Chablis in style. Bical contributes delicate floral aromatics and roundness, while Cerceal Branco adds acidity and a touch of austerity, helping to create a wine that is both lively and precise. Together, these varieties reflect the elegant, mineral-driven character of the Dão region.

The grapes, grown in granitic soils, are harvested by hand and fermented using 100% whole clusters, with aging split between 80% stainless steel tanks and 20% cement tulip-shaped vessels. This approach preserves freshness while adding subtle texture and depth. The 2023 growing season presented significant challenges, including a mild spring with late frosts, limited rainfall, and intense heat toward the end of the season. Yet the resulting wine demonstrates resilience, balance, and clarity.

The Taboadella Villae White 2023 opens with intense mineral aromas of cold wet rock and petrol. This minerality highlights the granitic soils and cool-climate character of the region. The next layer of aromas include notes of citrus, white flowers, subtle melon and stone fruit. On the palate, the wine is fresh and vibrant, with bright acidity supported by a gentle textured finish.

Food Pairing

I brought this wine to a friend’s house for dinner and we marveled at the minerality and texture of this wine. I knew that the wine’s bright acidity and mineral backbone would make it an excellent partner for seafood, grilled fish, shellfish, and light poultry dishes. It would also pair beautifully with vegetable-driven cuisine and fresh cheeses. However, we opened this wine to enjoy with the sunset and had finished the bottle by the time we sat down for dinner. So, I will say that it paired beautifully with the sunset.

Where To Purchase

The Taboadella Villae White 2023 from Dão, Portugal retails for approximately $20. Visit Wine Searcher to find a retail store that carries it.