The Vineyard
The Kelman Family Vineyard is located in Nelas, in the heart of the Dão region and home to historical sites, such as Vilar Seco and Santar. It is in the city square that a wine festival takes place in September of every year. Nelas also hosts the Centre of Viniculture Studies (CEV Dão), that develops advanced research to support the wine industry. CEV has produced magnificent wines that perform beautifully 50+ years after harvest (even white wines) - an example of the longevity of the Dão wines.
The vineyard has 6 hectares that were planted in year 2000 with traditional grape varieties of which Touriga Nacional accounts for more than 50%. The mean altitude is 430 meters. Rainfall is 1100 mm/year, concentrated in the winter. Gentle slope and sandy soil (decomposed granite) provide a good drainage.
Temperature ranges from freezing point in the winter to 30+ Celsius during summertime (mean annual temperature of 15 Celsius). Elevated diurnal temperature amplitude (cool nights and warm days) and natural soil acididy provide ideal conditions for the grape development, adding freshness to the wines.
From the vineyard it is possible to distinguish the Caramulo mountain range and Vilar Seco. There are excellent lodging alternatives nearby, including Solar Ponces de Carvalho and Quinta da Fata (also a producer). The city of Viseu, only a few kilometres away, has many other lodging alternatives, such as Pousada de Viseu, Casa da Sé or Hotel Palacio dos Melos.
Location
The vineyard is 300 km from Lisbon, 120 km from Porto and 90 km from Coimbra. There are excellent highways connecting it to the main cities. Access by railroad is also possible. It is only 3h from Lisbon.
