Encruzado (Purtugal)
Encruzado is grown almost exclusively in the high-altitude Dão region.
The grape is rapidly earning a reputation as Portugal's finest white grape. It is incredibly complex and texturally rich—often compared to fine Burgundy Chardonnay due to its exceptional ability to age and respond well to oak.
Encruzado Flavors
Citrus, Apple, Pear, and Peach are typical Encruzado flavors.
With notes of White Flowers, Herbs, Honey, and Flinty Minerals.
 Citrus |
 Apple |
 Pear |
 Peach |
 Flowers |
 Herbs |
 Honey |
 Flint |
Flavors from Maturation and Aging
 Oak |
 Vanilla |
 Toast |
 Hazelnuts |
Profile
Encruzado is typically medium to full bodied, with good fruit and a fresh acidity.
| SUGAR: | Dry (3 g/l) |
| BODY: | edium Full |
| FRUIT: | Medium Plus |
| ACIDITY: | Medium Plus |
| ALCOHOL: | 12.5-14% ABV |
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Serving temperature: 10-12°C (50-54°F) |
Encruzado Food Pairing
Encruzado is a versatile food wine.
It pairs particularly well with Fish, Seafood, Poultry, and traditional Portuguese dishes.
 Tapas |
 Vegetables |
 Bacalhau |
 Fish |
 Seafood |
 Lobster |
 Octopus |
 Tuna Steak |
 Onion Soup |
 Fish Stew |
 Chicken |
 Pork |
Excellent Pairings
Grilled or Roasted Fish.Octopus and Squid.
Shellfish, Prawns, and Lobster.
Portuguese Fish and Seafood Rice.
Roast Chicken and Poultry.
Roast Pork and Suckling Pig.
Grilled and Roasted Vegetables.
Mushrooms, Onions, and Garlic.
Risotto and Rice Dishes.
Rich Fish Soups and Stews.
Portuguese Specialities
Bacalhau (Salt Cod).
Encruzado's acidity works well against olive oil and salt cod, while its body means it is not
overwhelmed by richer preparations.
Leitão (suckling pig)
A structured Encruzado can work surprisingly well because its acidity cuts through the richness of the pork.
The Ideal Glass for Encruzado
The Chardonnay Glass was designed for enjoying full-bodied white wines. They have a wider bowl and a tapered top to enhance the buttery and oaky notes found in aged wines.
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The wide bowl steers the wine to the sensitive parts of the tongue, ensuring that the acidity creates a harmonious balance with the sweet aromas of the wine. The wide bowl allows the full bouquet of aromas to develop. It also reduces the risk for over-concentrated aromas. |
Encruzado Cheese Pairing
Manchego
The rich, nutty flavors of Manchego pair well with the fruit and body of a full-bodied Encruzado.
The wine's acidity provides a fresh contrast to the firm and creamy sheep's milk cheese.
Idiazabal and Roncal
These firm sheep's milk cheeses have intense, savory flavors that work well with structured full-bodied white wines.
Oak-aged whites can be especially good with their nutty and slightly smoky flavors.
Mahón
Mahón has buttery, slightly salty and nutty flavors that complement the richness of a full-bodied Encruzado.
Tetilla and Arzúa-Ulloa
These mild and creamy Galician cheeses are excellent with rich white wines.
The fresh acidity of the wine balances their soft and buttery texture.
Zamorano
Zamorano is a firm and flavorful sheep's milk cheese with enough intensity for a powerful full-bodied Encruzado.
Garrotxa and Majorero
These goat cheeses offer earthy and savory flavors that pair well with full-bodied white wines with good acidity.
Murcia al Vino
The creamy texture and gentle goat flavors of Murcia al Vino pair well with a rich Encruzado.
Its wine-washed rind adds another layer of aroma and complexity.
San Simón
The gentle smoky character of San Simón works particularly well with full-bodied whites that have been matured in oak.
Aged Spanish Cheeses
Firm aged cheeses with nutty and savory flavors complement the fruit, oak, and complexity of a full-bodied Encruzado.
If You Like Encruzado
You May Also Like:
The Dão Region
Dão is one of the best wine regions in Portugal.
The regionion is known to produces gastronomic wines, with very good acidity and delicate aromas.
Grapes
Touriga Nacional |
Wines
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Soil
Granite |
Climate
Maritime |
