Portugal has been producing wine for about 4000 years. It is said that the first vineyards were cultivated by the Tartesssian in the valleys of Tejo and Sado about 2000 BC. This is an introduction to the various wine regions in Portugal. There are 250-plus indigenous grape varieties in Portugal.
Vinho Verde
This region lies in the north-west of Portugal and consists of following areas:
• Monção
• Lima
• Braga
• Penafiel
• Basto
• Amarante
The term Vinho Verde refers to wines which are not fully ripe or still “green” (“verde”). These wines are the most famous and second to Port wines regarding the quantities exported. Besides the famous white wines from this region, red wines and rosés are also cultivated.
Douro wine (Vinho do Douro)
These wines are grown in the same are as port wines. They are becoming very well known these days. Following growing areas can be found:
• Região Demarcada do Dão , where Dão wines are grown. The area is mountainous and the climate temperate.
• Região Demarcada da Bairrada , where Bairrada wine is produced. The soils in this area are very clayey, hence the name for the region (“Bairrada”). This area produces table wines, white wines and red wines. It is also famous for its sparkling wine.
• Alentejo Wines grown here grow directly under the sun on open plains. This is also a region famous for their claypot wines which are produced like during Roman times.
• Colares This area lies outside of Lisbon between the foothills of Sinta and Roca Cape. The soils are sandy.
• Alto Douro This region is where Port wines are produced. Port wine are cultivated in soils rich in slate. A specific micro-climate is need to produce these wines using unique production methods. Red Port wines are the most common. The douro Valley in which they are grown is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The term Port was taken from the name of the city of Porto.
Moscatel wines
Moscatel is a type of liqueur wine produced in the Setúbal Peninsula.. Like Port, they too are aged in wood.
Madeira wines
Madeira is a type of fortified wine which comes from the island of Madeira. This wine is made by oxidising wine via heat and ageing. Madeira wines can be dry or sweet. In most cases, the Negra Mole grape trype is used for the production of Madeira. Older blends can be kept for many years, even decades or in some cases centuries! They even keep after opening.