Portugal has a long history of producing exceptional wines, it is home to the first demarcated and regulated wine region in the world, the Douro Valley, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. A carefully calculated renaissance over the last 30 years has seen the country's outlook shift to high quality, characterful table wines, which has really gathered pace in the past decade. Our guide will focus on the 4 exciting regions of Vinho Verde, Douro, Lisboa and Alentejo and the unique characteristics, climate and types of wines produced in each region which will enable you to explore and appreciate the geographical diversity of Portuguese wines.
Portugal is one of the most exciting and creative wine producing countries in Europe. For native grapes (over 250 different varieties), diversity of styles, emerging regions, sustainability, high quality, reasonably priced wines and food pairing opportunities, Portugal has it all.
Grapes: The majority of the wine produced in Portugal is blends of grapes, native to the Iberian Peninsula and there are 100 of these permitted for wine production. Each region will have their own specific varieties that they use for their wines.
Geography: Despite being a relatively small county at 630 miles long and 125 miles wide, it has a huge range of regions and climates, making a variety of wine styles.
Vinho Verde
Grape varieties: Loureiro, Arinto, Alvarinho, Trajadura
There are many different styles of wine produced across Portugal and arguably the most identifiable remains Vinho Verde. The youthful, zippy, ‘green wine’ produced in the Province of Minho defines the region. The wines produced in the Vinho Verde region take their personality from the nearby Atlantic, and the abundant rainfall and cold temperatures this part of Portugal is famous for. Most wines are a blend of grapes however, high quality, single varietal Vinho Verde is becoming more popular.
We recommend:
Quinta da Calcada, Lago Cerquiera Vinho Verde, NV
Crisp, clean and slightly spritzy with citrus and tropical fruits.
Quinta Do Ameal Loureiro, 2022
Energetic and tantalising, reminiscent of zesty sherbet lemons.
Douro
Grape varieties: Malvasia Fina, Viosinho, Moscatel Galego, Touriga Nacional, Tinto Roriz, Touriga Franca, Trincadeira
A couple of hours drive inland from the historic trading city of Oporto the picturesque Douro Valley, with its steep terraces and wide meandering river, is the beating heart of Portuguese wine. The Douro is most famous for its delicious, fortified Port wines. However, the region is developing an excellent reputation for its table wines. Made from a range of grapes, most prominently Touriga Nacional, a native variety most famous for its use in the finest vintage ports. Touriga Nacional's thick skins and rich flavours create bold, powerful wines with excellent structure and tannin.
We recommend:
Symington Altano Douro White, 2022
Fresh and vibrant with wonderful, creamy complexity. Flavours of passion fruit and white peach with a hint of spice.
Kopke Sao Luiz Colheita Branco, 2022
If you like Albarino or Verdejo, give this a try! Citrus and tropical fruit with a lick of white pepper.
Symington Altano Douro Red, 2019
Freshly squeezed summer berries with touch of violet. Juicy with ripe tannins.
Quinta Nova, Grainha Tinto Reserva, 2021
Truly something special! Hedgerow fruit fused with liquorice and black pepper.
Lisboa
Grapes: Malvasia, Arinto, Vital, Fernao Pires, Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez (Tempranillo), Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional and international varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
Lisboa region is a vast area to the north and west of Lisbon, known for producing affordable wines with many different profiles. The region runs alongside the Atlantic and the best vineyard sites are inland from the coast in the hills and mountains, which provide protection from the harsh ocean winds. The most relevant red grapes are the rich, fruity, spicy native varieties; Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez (Tempranillo), Trincadeira, and Touriga Nacional and international varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. The most significant white varieties are Malvasia, Arinto, Vital and Fernao Pires making distinct wines with a combination of tropical, citrus, honey and nut character.
We recommend:
Real Companhia Velha, Santhiago Tinto 2020
Rich and succulent, bursting with juicy, dark berries and wild herbs.
Alentejo
Grape varieties: Antão Vaz, Arinto, Roupeiro, Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez (Tempranillo) and Trincadeira
The temperatures and soils around the Alentejo region vary, from coastal to interior, from temperate to extremely hot, and so do the profiles of the wines produced in this region. Alentejo has been a demarcated wine region since 1988 and it has 8 different sub-regions: Reguengos, Borba, Redondo, Vidigueira, Évora, Granja-Amareleja, Portalegre and Moura. The most relevant red grape varieties in this region are Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez (Tempranillo) and Trincadeira, while the white varieties that stand out are Antão Vaz and Arinto.
We recommend:
Esporao Monte Velho Organic Branco, 2022
Vibrant and refreshing with intense notes of pineapple and mango.
Luscious red packed with crunchy red and black berries, subtle herbs and black pepper.
Herdade de Esporao, Organic Reserva Tinto, 2021
Rich and opulent with blackcurrant, cassis and black plum and a hint of nutmeg.
Portugal is a real treasure trove of unique wines just waiting to be explored. Please ask the team for further advise and recommendations on Portuguese wines.
