Portugal and its wines

Portugal is one of the most fascinating and fast-changing wine countries in Europe, with a tradition going back to more than two thousand years ago and an extraordinary a wealth of indigenous grape varieties.
The area, which extends from the coasts of theAtlantic to the higher ground of thecontinental inland, is characterised by great climatic and soil diversity, with unique microclimates and soils ranging from granite and schist of the north to the sandy and clay soils of the south.

As well as the famous Vinho do Porto, Portugal is today appreciated for an extraordinary variety of elegant, structured reds, fresh and mineral whites, quality sparkling wines and dessert wines.

What is the Portugal wine district?

Portugal is divided into numerous DOC/DOP and IGP appellations, which cover the whole country:

• Vinhos Verdes DOC → fresh, light whites from the Minho.

• Douro DOC → celebrated reds from Touriga Nacional, and Port.

• Dão DOC → elegant, mineral reds.

• Bairrada DOC → reds from Baga and traditional method sparkling wines.

• Tejo DOC / Lisboa DOC / Alentejo DOC → a wide production of modern reds and whites.

• Setúbal DOC → sweet wines from Moscatel.

• Madeira DOC → the celebrated fortified wines of the island of Madeira.

• Porto DOC → one of the most famous fortified wines in the world.

Characteristics of Portuguese Wines

Colour

• Reds: Deep ruby red, turning garnet with ageing.

• Whites: Bright straw yellow, at times with golden highlights.

• Sparkling wines: Pale yellow, fine perlage.

• Fortified wines: From gold to mahogany, depending on the ageing.

Aromas

• Fruity: Cherry, plum, berry fruits in the reds; apple, pear, citrus and tropical fruit in the whites.

• Floral: White flowers in the fresh whites; violet in the elegant reds.

• Spicy and Evolved: Leather, tobacco, chocolate in the reds for ageing; walnuts and honey in the fortified wines.

Palate

• Structured and Enveloping: In the reds of the inland regions.

• Fresh and Mineral: In the Atlantic whites and the Vinho Verde wines.

• Sweet and Elegant: In the Port and Madeira wines.

Typical Grape Varieties of Portugal

Black Grape

• Touriga Nacional: The signature grape variety, powerful, elegant, floral.

• Touriga Franca: Softer and fruitier.

• Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo): Structured and spicy.

• Baga: Taut and mineral in the reds of Bairrada.

• Trincadeira, Castelão, Alicante Bouschet: Widespread in the Alentejo.

White Grape

• Alvarinho (Albariño): Fresh, mineral.

• Loureiro: Floral and aromatic.

• Arinto: Crisp and long-lived.

• Encruzado: Elegant and fine in the Dão.

• Fernão Pires: Versatile and fragrant.

Why choose a wine from Portugal?

The wines of the Portugal offer a unique experience for anyone looking for authenticity, aromatic richness and great value for money.

• Deep, long-lived reds to accompany red meat, game and aged cheeses.

• Fresh, mineral whites ideal with fish, seafood and Mediterranean cooking.

• Traditional method sparkling wines versatile and food-friendly.

• Port and Madeira perfect with blue cheeses, desserts and as a meditation wine.