Exploring The Wines of Portugal

Why should France, Italy, and Spain get all the attention? With many varietals you won’t find anywhere else, Portugal is an exciting and oft-overlooked wine region that deserves more recognition. If you’re looking to shake up your wine rack with high-quality, affordable wines from Europe, then keep reading!

About Wine in Portugal

Portugal has 14 distinct wine regions, each with their own sub-appellations and geographic personalities. Let’s explore a few of the most prominent regions of Portugal here:

• Vinho Verde: The largest region in Portugal situated in the north of the country marked by cool temperatures and plenty of rain. Thanks to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, wines from Vinho Verde are usually youthful and vibrant.
• Douro Valley: a UNESCO world heritage site because of the terraced vineyards that have been hand-worked for thousands of years, the rugged region produces bold, robust wines akin to Rioja or Brunello di Montalcino.
• Dão: Lighter than those found in the Douro Valley, wines from low-lying Dão have the acid and tannic structure to withstand aging. Protected from scorching heat as well as frigid ocean winds by mountains, these wines exhibit graceful ripeness similar to Burgundy.
• Lisboa: Situated along the Atlantic coast, the grapes grown in Lisboa battle the harsh ocean winds. Those that make it retain a refreshing and tart acidity usually with low ABV.
• Madeira: An island close to Morocco, winemakers in Madeira purposefully ‘cook’ their wine to create delicious nut and dried fruit flavors in the wine. Historically, wines from Madeira traveled long distances by boat and landed at their final destination with these warm, rich qualities. The tradition is maintained, just without the sea voyage.

Which Wines Come From Portugal?

With more than 250 native grapes as well as many imports that have adapted well to the climate, Portugal really packs a punch of exciting, delicious wines. Tinta Negra, a dark-skinned grape, is the only red used in the production of Madeira. Many indigenous grapes combine to create Vinho Verde Branco, including Arinto, Azal, Trajadura, Loureiro, and Alvarinho. These light, tart grapes lend a slight spritz to the final product.

Full-bodied and bold Touriga Nacional grows throughout Portugal. It can be vinified separately, blended with other grapes, and used in the production of the fortified wine Port.

Alvarinho, known as Albariño in Spain, is a very popular grape that grows along the border between Vinho Verde and Galicia in Spain. It’s a floral and fruity white with notes of orange, lemon, and jasmine.

Some imported grapes that have done well in Portugal include Tempranillo (called Aragonês in Portugal), Mencia (or Jaén), and Cabernet Sauvignon.

What Food Pairs With Wine From Portugal?

You’ve probably heard the old adage “what grows together, goes together”. While there’s no end to pairing possibilities, it’s usually a safe bet to let Portuguese wine team up with Portuguese cuisine. That can look like:

• Light and lemony Vinho Verde and poached shrimp
• Medium-bodied and rich oaked Encruzado with traditional bacalhau or a fish stew
• Peppery and cherry-forward Jaén (also known as Mencia) with cabrito assado, a roasted lamb dish with
• Bold and smoky Alicante Bouschet with grilled steak
• Tawny port with pastéis de nata, a rich egg custard tart

Let these recommendations inspire you to try Portuguese wine!