Both regions enjoy the same good reputation. The red wines resemble each other with their strong and tannin-rich style. Both regions have DOC status.
These two regions' history reaches back to the 12th century. Dão als Regiao has been recognized since 1908, Bairrada followed in 1979.
Dão is the larger of the two regions, mostly made of granite mountains, that are cut through by rivers. Bairrada is to the West of Dão. The landscape is hilly, its proximity to the Antlantic Ocean makes for a relatively long rainy season after the short, dry summer. The winters aren't very cold as those in Dão. Limestone and heavy clay soil dominates in Bairrada. The clay soil is called 'barros'.
The similar red wines are rich in tannins and abecome softer after a few years storage. Wines from Dão have a higher glycerin content, resulting from the long fermentation. The wines from Bairrada are partially used as a basis for wines that are suitable for long storage (Garrafeira wines), One of Bairrada's specialties are the sparkling white wines that are made in after the Champagne method. The vines used in both regions are Touriga Nacional, Tinta Amarela, Jean, Arinto do Dão, Borrado das Moscas, Cerceal, Fernao Pires, Barcelo, Baga, Joao de Santarém, Castelao, and Tinta Pinhera, Maria Gomes, Bical, and Rabo de Ovelha.
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