Cota 700 Dao, Carlos Lucas Vinhos

Cota 700 Dao

Producer Information
Hailing from the Dão region, Carlos Lucas is a pioneer of modern Portuguese wines. For nearly 30 years, this talented winemaker has been crafting expressive bottlings that spotlight Portugal’s native grapes and terroirs.

Lucas’ passion project is Quinta do Ribeiro Santo in the Dão, where he’s replanted vineyards in the poor granite soils. He’s also acquired the 10-hectare Quinta de Santa Maria, home to old vines of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro and Jaen. Meticulous vineyard management and hand harvesting produce grapes of exceptional quality.

Beyond the Dão, Lucas works with growers across Portugal to create a portfolio spanning Douro reds to fresh Vinho Verdes. His latest addition from the Douro, ‘A River Runs Through It’, shows his skill in coaxing the best from local varieties. Lucas is a visionary dedicated to revealing authentic Portuguese character in a modern style.

Viticulture

The Cota 700 Dão vineyards follow traditional Dão plantation methods in poor granite soils studded with schist. Lucas manages the sites sustainably, using an integrated system tailored to each parcel.

At harvest, grapes are hand-picked into small 18kg boxes. Careful selection focuses on fully ripe, healthy clusters that will showcase Dão character. For Lucas, these old vines and soils tell a story – one of dedication and passion for Portuguese varieties.

Winemaking

The Cota 700 grapes are fully destemmed into small stainless tanks for a 24-hour cold soak. Fermentation starts with selected yeasts and lasts 12 days with gentle pumpovers.

This hands-off approach maximizes fresh, vibrant fruit flavours and aromas. After fermentation finishes, the wine is kept in stainless steel to preserve its youthful vibrancy before bottling. Lucas believes in upholding tradition while also allowing Dão’s native varieties to shine.

Tasting Note

Cota 700 shows a vivid ruby colour and effusive aromas of fresh blackberries and mulberries, with a pine needle lift.

The palate is lively and supple, with sweet black fruit flavours framed by soft, elegant tannins.

A thread of minerality and brisk acidity keeps this medium-bodied red lively and refreshing through the lingering finish.

Quintessentially Portuguese, Cota 700 Dao delivers vibrant, fruit-forward pleasure.

See our full selection of red wines.