Caves Sao Joao
Founded in 1920 by the brothers José, Manuel and Albano Costa, it remains today the oldest family owned winery in the region. The family began to sell DOC wines in the 1950s creating two of the most celebrated Portuguese brands: FREI JOÃO from Bairrada and PORTA DOS CAVALEIROS from the Dão. A half century later they boast one of the most varied and exceptional sparkling wine programs in the country.
Caves Sao Joao 2021 Reserva Bruto Branco
Citrus yellow in the glass, with an intense nose of dried flowers, bright citrus and light toasted notes. The palate opens fresh, then broadens into a well-balanced, structured mousse. Lively acidity keeps the texture precise, while persistent aromas carry the finish with measured depth from extended lees ageing. Serve well chilled with appetizers, grilled fish, white meats or a restrained fruit dessert.
Caves Sao Joao 1996 Dao Porta dos Cavaleiros
Still structured, with red fruit and vanilla set against an integrated tannic frame. The palate is light and mature, yet sound bottles retain good colour, a composed texture and a clean finish. Bottle variation is pronounced, with some examples appearing fresher than their age and others more fragile. Stand upright, open carefully and assess before deciding whether to decant.
Sao Joao 1997 Porta Dos Cavaleiros Mg
A mature Portuguese red with dried cherry, leather and stewed fruit, followed by game, earth and gentle spice. The palate is dry and medium-bodied, with settled acidity and elegant tannins supporting its savoury character. The finish is clean and composed rather than forceful, pairing especially well with roast chicken, coq au vin, mushrooms or slow-cooked pork.
Caves Sao Joao 1985 Dao Porta dos Cavaleiros
Mature dark cherry and red berry sit beneath tobacco, pencil lead, graphite and dark chocolate, with damp earth, mushroom and leather adding further savoury depth. Medium acidity and resolved tannins give the palate a gentle, evolved shape, while hints of mint, dried flowers and cured meat carry the finish. Bottle variation is expected; stand upright and decant carefully around sediment.
Caves São João 1966 Aguardente Vínica Velhíssima
Vanilla and coconut lead a rich, concentrated aroma, followed by light smoke and the polished warmth of mature oak. The palate is intense and complex, with sweet, creamy nuances bringing softness to the spirit's firm structure. Subtle nuts add savoury depth and balance. The finish is long and composed, leaving vanilla, smoke, oak spice and gentle nuttiness.
Caves São João Bruto
Caves São João 2023 Bairrada Red Brut Sparkling
Ruby-coloured and lively, with red fruit, balsamic lift, anise and peppery herbal notes. A delicate, fresh attack gives the palate energy, while moderate acidity keeps the texture poised and the savoury spice clearly defined. Persistent without feeling heavy, it suits fatty fish, grilled meats or well-seasoned rice dishes.
Caves Sao Joao 1966 Frei Joao Reserva Bairrada Magnum
Mature yet lively, opening with cassis, raspberry and dried fig over pine-needle, coffee and toasted-wood notes. The palate is full and structured, with fresh acidity keeping the evolved fruit clear while settled tannins give the texture a composed shape. Earthy and savoury detail builds through the middle. The finish is persistent, carrying dried fruit, coffee, gentle spice and polished woodland complexity.
Caves Sao Joao 1992 Dao Porta dos Cavaleiros
Dark fruit and forest-floor aromas lead to dark cherry, mixed berries, leather and a light balsamic edge. Soft tannins give the palate an easy, mature shape, while surprisingly bright acidity keeps the fruit defined and the medium-length finish fresh. Stand upright before opening and pour carefully around sediment; the balance suggests a bottle holding its age with quiet assurance.
Caves Sao Joao 1990 Dao Porta dos Cavaleiros
Flint, steel and damp earth lead into autumn leaf, tarragon, cherry pit, espresso, tart red berry, fresh cigar tobacco and damson plum. Lean and elegant rather than fruit-driven, the palate has clean, softened acidity and an austere, savoury line. A short decant helps it open. Serve with duck, grouse or salmon, and handle the mature cork and sediment with care.
Caves Sao Joao 1987 Porta dos Cavaleiros Tinto
Complex fruit aromas lead a full-bodied, richly structured palate, with the depth expected of a mature Dão red. Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Jaen and Alfrocheiro form the blend, giving the wine a layered, traditional profile. Handle the bottle gently, stand it upright before opening, and serve with roast lamb, braised beef, mushrooms or firm cheese.
Caves Sao Joao 1982 Dao Porta dos Cavaleiros
Light garnet with pronounced bricking opens slowly into dried red cherry, currant, hickory, mulch, wet hay, sweet cedar and worn leather. The palate is mature but alive, with resolved tannins and medium acidity carrying savoury red fruit, tobacco, coffee bean and cigar-box detail. Give it twenty to thirty minutes in the glass; stand upright beforehand and open carefully, as older corks may be fragile.
Caves Sao Joao 1989 Dao Porta dos Cavaleiros Reserva
Brick-garnet in colour, with cherry and strawberry moving into dried herbs, baked gingerbread, leather and a gently earthy savoury tone. The palate remains bright, carrying red fruit and raisined nuance on a firm line of acidity, while mature bottles may show a touch of oxidation. Stand upright before opening, pour carefully, and serve with roast pork, mushrooms or braised dishes.
Caves Sao Joao 1987 Frei Joao Bairrada
Deep garnet with a brick-orange rim leads into dried blackcurrant, cherry and plum, layered with cedar, tobacco, leather, graphite, forest floor and dried herbs. Silky, fully integrated tannins meet fresh acidity, carrying savoury plum, cigar box and earthy spice through a long, composed finish. Stand upright for a day before opening, then decant gently and serve slightly cool.
Caves Sao Joao 1978 Frei Joao Bairrada Magnum
Brick-edged and fully mature, with leather, iodine and damp forest-floor aromas leading into dried cherry and further woodland detail. The palate remains surprisingly fresh, with fully resolved tannins and a seamless transition into a long, lingering finish. Bottle condition will matter at this age; stand upright, open with care and assess before decanting. Serve with roast game or mushroom dishes.