Located in north central Portugal, this well-known wine-producing region’s vineyards are situated in the mountainous area surrounding the city of Viseu. Dão, a DENOMINAÇÃO DE ORIGEM CONTROLADA, is best known for BIG, full-bodied (see BODY) red wines that require considerable AGING to SOFTEN. Some feel the lengthy aging is a detriment because the wines lose much of their fruitiness. Since Portugal joined the European Economic Community, control has been taken from the local cooperatives that had a monopoly on winemaking. Such changes are allowing independent producers to become more involved, and those who use more modern winemaking techniques are producing fruiter, more youthful wines. The huge SOGRAPE company is leading this new trend with its Quinta dos Carvalhais estate. The red wines here are made from a large variety of approved grapes, but mostly from Alfrocheiro Preto, Alvarelhao, Bastardo, Tinta Amarela, and TOURIGA NACIONAL. A small amount of DRY white wine is made from ARINTO, Assario, Barcelo, Borrado das Moscas (BICAL), Branco, Cerceal (SERCIAL), ENCRUZADO, and VERDHELO.