Portugal as an economy is still marked by the effects of the Salazar dictatorship and Dao in particular was cursed by the powers given to the co-ops, effectively hobbling the private producers and merchants. The EU, bless them, basically overturned this and private producers, including Sogrape, now flourish in the region. Grapes grown include Baga, Touriga Nacional and Tempranillo for reds, while Ecruzado should be the main variety for whites but is too often diluted with lesser grapes. (CW 23/01/12)