Grape in focus
Jaen: the Mencía of the Dão
Jaen is the most planted grape in the Dão, just ahead of Touriga Nacional. DNA research showed that it is the same as Spain’s Mencía. It ripens early and gives juicy, soft wine with deep colour. That is why in the Dão it almost always comes together with Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro.
Jaen at a glance
| Origin | The north-west of the Iberian peninsula |
|---|---|
| Other names | Mencía in Spain, also Jaen Tinto or Jaen du Dão |
| Main regions | Dão, where it covers 19 percent of the vineyards |
| Plantings | 1,747 ha (2025) |
| In the vineyard | Ripens early |
| Taste | Raspberry, cherry and redcurrant, sometimes floral or spicy, juicy, with soft tannins and modest acidity |
| Styles | Red, almost always in a blend |
Read more about the other Portuguese grapes in our overview of Portuguese grape varieties.
The same grape as Mencía
Across the border, in Bierzo, Ribeira Sacra and Valdeorras, the same grape is called Mencía. For a long time Mencía was thought to be related to Cabernet Franc, but DNA research ruled that out and showed that the Jaen of the Dão is the same grape. In Spain a new generation of winemakers rediscovered old vineyards on schist, and their wines prove that the grape can do much more than light, dilute red wine.
Casa da Passarella vineyard in the Dão.
The juice of the Dão blend
Jaen ripens early and brings colour, fruit and suppleness, but little acidity. Touriga Nacional brings structure and perfume, Alfrocheiro freshness and spice. Together they make the classic red Dão. That is how Alvaro Castro, Casa da Passarella and MOB work, and how Jaen goes into Niepoort’s Drink Me Dão. In the old mixed vineyards of Beiorte and António Madeira it grows among dozens of other varieties.
Women pickers in the vineyard. Photo: Artur Pastor, Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa.
What to eat with it?
A red Dão with Jaen is juicy and not too heavy. It goes well with roast chicken or guinea fowl, duck, roast pork, charcuterie or a mushroom risotto. It also works with an ordinary Friday-night pizza.
Our wines with Jaen
All from the Dão and all blends, as is the custom there. Each bottle shows which grapes it is made from.
Dão
Frequently asked questions about Jaen
Is Jaen the same as Mencía?
Yes. It is the same grape, called Jaen in Portugal and Mencía in Spain.
Why do you rarely see pure Jaen?
Because it has little acidity. Blended with Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro, the wine gains freshness and structure.
At what temperature should you serve it?
At around 15 to 16 °C. Lighter wines can be a little cooler.
Plantings: IVV, castas mais utilizadas 2025 (ivv.gov.pt). Background: The Oxford Companion to Wine, via JancisRobinson.com.