Next to Spain on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal maintains an independent wine heritage. Much of the country enjoys a maritime climate, though summer temperatures do get quite warm in the south and east of the country. Even though it has been a trading partner with other nations for centuries, Portugal’s vineyards have evolved in relative isolation, yielding a treasure trove of indigenous grapes that can only be found here.
Many ofNext to Spain on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal maintains an independent wine heritage. Much of the country enjoys a maritime climate, though summer temperatures do get quite warm in the south and east of the country. Even though it has been a trading partner with other nations for centuries, Portugal’s vineyards have evolved in relative isolation, yielding a treasure trove of indigenous grapes that can only be found here.
Many of the native varieties might be new to you, like Bical, Arinto, Alvarhino, Tourgia Nacional, and Baga. But once you get past the surface of these unfamiliar names, Portuguese wine provides fantastic bang for your buying buck. ...more ...less
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Starting in the north, right next to each other lie two regions producing wines that couldn’t be more different – Vinho Verde, home of the light, low-alcohol, slightly spritzy white, and the Duoro Valley, from which hails rich, sweet, high-alcohol Port. Duoro also produces dry wines as well, made from the same varietals as their Ports, including Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional.
Moving further south, the next band of winemaking regionsStarting in the north, right next to each other lie two regions producing wines that couldn’t be more different – Vinho Verde, home of the light, low-alcohol, slightly spritzy white, and the Duoro Valley, from which hails rich, sweet, high-alcohol Port. Duoro also produces dry wines as well, made from the same varietals as their Ports, including Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional.
Moving further south, the next band of winemaking regions includes Bairrada, Dão, and Beiras. Bairrada produces powerful reds from the Baga grape and sparkling whites from Fernão Pires and Bical. Dão follows in the footsteps of the Duoro, mainly producing wines from the Port varieties (though theirs are dry) and Bieras is a region known for experimentation, with several international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay planted alongside Portuguese grapes.
Alentejo lies to the south and west of Portugal, bordering Spain. This is another emerging region – since it’s further inland, summer temperatures can regularly top 100°, making temperature controlled vinification facilities essential to the production of high-quality wine. With more producers investing in these types of facilities, Alentejo represents a winemaking region of great promise. Aragónez, Trincadiera, and Castelão are grown here, but Syrah is making great strides in the region as well. ...more ...less
