Description
Wine Details: Casa da Passarella Abanico Reserva Branco
Alcohol Grade: 13%
Aging/ Vinification: Hand-picked from mature, high-altitude vineyards in Dão, this blend of indigenous white grapes undergoes gentle maceration before fermentation in traditional cement vats. It then ages for nine months in large 600 L oak vats, developing texture and subtle complexity.
Best to have it: 8-11ºC
Size: 750 ml
Certifications & Philosophy: Organic farming in place, with spontaneous fermentation and minimal additions—no filtration—reflecting the estate’s heritage of traditional, terroir-driven winemaking .
The Winery: Casa da Passarella
Nestled in the Serra da Estrela subregion of Portugal’s Dão appellation, Casa da Passarella is a historic estate with roots dating back to 1892—well before the region was officially demarcated. Perched at elevations between 400 and 600 meters, its vineyards benefit from a continental mountain climate, marked by hot summers, cold winters, and wide diurnal shifts that preserve freshness and acidity in the grapes. The granite-rich soils typical of the region bring a distinctive mineral edge to the wines, while the estate’s blend of old vines and native varieties—like Encruzado, Touriga Nacional, and Jaen—anchors its reputation for authenticity and depth.
Revived in 2007 by Ricardo Cabral and led by winemaker Paulo Nunes, Casa da Passarella has embraced minimal intervention, blending traditional and modern methods. Fermentations often take place in concrete or large neutral wooden vats to maintain purity of fruit and highlight terroir. The team emphasizes sustainability and works with a light touch in both vineyard and cellar, avoiding excessive manipulation. Critics have taken notice, consistently praising the wines for their elegance, structure, and fidelity to place. With a deep respect for heritage and a contemporary eye for quality, Casa da Passarella stands as one of the Dão’s most compelling producers.
