Tinto Cão is an indigenous Portuguese red grape variety native to the Douro region, and contributes to the rich blends of Port wines that Portugal is celebrated for across the globe. Translated as "Red Dog", it has been cultivated for centuries for its incomparable traits and remains a favoured choice amongst many wine growers and vintages today.
The Tinto Cão grape manifests bunches of small, thick-skinned berries that possess a high level of tannins. This results in a concentrated, robust wine with remarkable ageing potential. An inherent resilience to disease and pestilence makes the vine perfectly suited to the rather extreme weather conditions of its native territory, giving it an edge over other grape varities.
One of the distinctive traits of the Tinto Cão grape is its acidity that brings balance to the potent richness of Port wines. The flavours of red fruits, spices, and herbs, infused with a hint of floral notes, make Tinto Cão favoured by many wine enthusiasts. The wine’s deep ruby colour and persistent, finely-textured tannins only enhance its allure.
However, despite its many advantages and charms, the Tinto Cão grape is not as extensively cultivated as one might expect. This is largely due to its low-yielding nature, making it a less commercially attractive proposition for large-scale wine producers. But true wine connoisseurs know the rarity and unique qualities of Tinto Cão grape only contribute to its distinction.
Mature Tinto Cão wines are often commended for their ability to retain an impressive freshness and vibrancy even after many years, proof of their admirable longevity. Indicative of the harmony of tradition and perseverance, Tinto Cão's enduring allure stems from its robust characteristics and its ability to punctuate Portugal's illustrious winemaking narrative effortlessly. Personalities looking for bold, vibrant wines with strong flavour profiles can be satisfied with the uncompromising Tinto Cão.
Buy Tinto Cão wine below.
