Carlos Raposo is native from the Dao region, since early he realised his connection with nature, therefore he followed a enology and viticulture course at age 16 at the CVR Bairrada school. This was followed by a lot of different courses in Portugal and at age 20 he set off to France to study and work in Bordeaux and Burgundy for seven years. At 27 he returned to Portugal and started working with Dirk Niepoort. Although he was still young, he became a key figure in the Quinta de Napoles winery in Douro. 

In 2018, he launched Imperfect Wines, gaining popularity in both national and international markets working with grapes from the Vinho Verde region. However the call of his home region, Dao and specifically family vineyards around Nelas led to his World Wild Wines project launched in 2020 to create fine, elegant and precise wines, where imagination is unlimited and the objective is to translate terroir and the locality of the Dao in the glass.

Encircled by mountain ranges and rooted in very poor granite soils, the Dão region is composed of vineyards scattered among pine forests at varying altitudes, ranging from around 1,000 metres in the Serra da Estrela down to 200 metres in the lower valleys. The vineyard landscape is fragmented, with small, discontinuous plots and estates of very modest size.

The surrounding mountains heavily influence the climate, protecting the vines from both direct continental extremes and maritime influences. This results in a temperate growing season with warm days and cool nights, while the nutrient-poor granitic soils naturally restrict vigour and encourage concentration.

Among the principal white grape varieties are Bical, Cercial, Malvasia Fina, Rabo de Ovelha and Verdelho, alongside the highly regarded Encruzado. In terms of red varieties, Touriga Nacional is the leading grape, while Alfrocheiro, Jaen and Tinta Roriz also play key roles. There are also plantings of lesser-known varieties such as Baga, Bastardo and Tinta Pinheira, which, although often undervalued, can add complexity and character to blends.

Touriga Nacional is widely regarded as Portugal’s finest red grape variety, known for its deep colour, intense aromatics, and powerful structure. Indigenous to the Dão region, it is now most famously associated with the Douro Valley, where it plays a leading role in both Port and dry red wine production. The variety has also found success in other regions, including Alentejo, Bairrada, and even internationally in countries like South Africa and Australia.

Aromatically, Touriga Nacional offers a rich bouquet of dark fruits such as blackberry, blackcurrant, and plum, alongside floral notes of violet and rose. It often shows spicy, herbal undertones and, with age, can develop complex hints of liquorice, leather, and cedar. On the palate, it delivers bold tannins, vibrant acidity, and excellent ageing potential.

Despite its high quality, Touriga Nacional poses several viticultural challenges. It is naturally low yielding and has small, thick-skinned berries, which contribute to its concentration but can reduce productivity. The vine is also vigorous and requires careful canopy management to ensure balanced fruit ripening and optimal exposure.

Thanks to its resilience, depth, and distinctive character, Touriga Nacional remains a cornerstone of Portuguese winemaking and a benchmark for quality in both blended and varietal wines.