Portugal’s 13 Wine Regions...

Portuguese wines are acclaimed all over the world, but did you know each region has a very distinct identity and taste???... Those who have had the privilege of visiting Portugal know that one of the country’s most memorable treasures is its unique flavours. And for those who appreciate wine, the various Portuguese grape varieties and wine regions are simply unforgettable!!! From North to South, the climate and geography of Portugal are quite different and so are the wines. The terroir of Portuguese wines is influenced by the sea and the mountains, different types of soil as well as the amount of rainfall... Nature was generous with Portugal and the quality of the wines produced reflects this rich diversity. Here are Portugal’s 13 wine regions and the main differences that contribute towards making such distinct wines:

• Vinho Verde: Located in the northern tip of Portugal, this green and humid landscape has a strong Atlantic influence, cool temperatures, and abundant rainfall. The Vinho Verde is light and fresh and can be produced with white or red grapes.

• Trás-os-Montes: In the remote north-east of mainland Portugal, this region benefits from its high altitude, long and hot summers, followed by long and icy winters. The vineyards in the cooler high altitude produce light-bodied wines while the lower altitude region produces full-bodied, highly alcoholic wines.

• Porto and Douro: This is one of the most rugged wine regions of Portugal, carved by the Douro river valley. The landscape is very characteristic with narrow, steep slopes where thousands of vineyards are planted. The region is recognized by UNESCO as "World Heritage". It is one of the richest wine regions of Portugal, with hundreds of unique grape varieties and an extensive area of old vines.

• Távora-Varosa: This region is especially suited for the production of sparkling wines. It is located in the northeast of the Dão region, bordering the Douro region. French grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir also have an almost centenary presence in this region.

• Bairrada: This is a flat, coastal region that develops along a coastline influenced by the Atlantic. It was one of the first national regions to explore sparkling wines.

• Dão and Lafões: Surrounded by mountains in all directions, this region has vineyards scattered among pine forests at different altitudes. The majority of its production is in red wines, which tend to be very tannic due to prolonged periods of maceration.

• Beira Interior: This is the most mountainous region of continental Portugal, with short, hot and dry summers and long and very cold winters. The predominant white grape varieties are Arinto, Fonte Cal, Malvasia Fina, Rabo de Ovelha and Syria. Bastardo, Marufo, Rufete, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional are the main red grape varieties, present in very old vines.

• Lisbon: The vineyards along Lisbon’s coastline have a strong Atlantic influence, while the vineyards in the interior benefit from a Mediterranean climate. Besides Portuguese grape varieties, this region also has international grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

• Tejo: The Tagus region wines are some of the most vibrant and affordable produced in Portugal. The red grape varieties include Touriga Nacional - the Portuguese grape variety par excellence - as well as the Trincadeira, Castelão and Aragonês. The aromatic Fernão Pires and Arinto produce some of the most refreshing white wines in the region.

• Setúbal Peninsula: This region varies between flat and sandy areas and the most mountainous landscape of the Arrábida Mountains. The sweet Moscatel de Setúbal, one of the most famous wines in Portugal, is from this region.

• Alentejo: The Alentejo has a relatively mild and flat landscape that stretches over almost a third of mainland Portugal. Only the Serra de São Mamede, to the north, differs from the pattern. The region is divided into eight sub-regions, each offering a different wine experience in taste, freshness, and complexity.

• Azores: The wines produced in the Azores’ nine islands are influenced by the sea, high rainfall and mild temperatures, as well as its volcanic soils. Historically, the vineyards were established inside corrals, sheltered from the weather by the walls of volcanic stone. Produced in extreme conditions, Azorean wines offer remarkable freshness and acidity.

• Madeira: The wine from this region is known for surviving more than two centuries. The vines are lined up on small terraces raised in an extremely mountainous region, with steep slopes and deep valleys. Madeira wines have very high levels of acidity.

As you can see, there are plenty of options for wonderful wines, attractive to all tastes and budgets.  It's all a matter of tasting and deciding which is the best wine for you. In Portugal, you will certainly find the right wine to toast to a perfect lifestyle... and I would love to toast with you!!!

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