About Portuguese wines

Distinctiveness

  • One of the oldest and best wine traditions in Europe and worldwide

  • First appellation system in the world was created in Portugal

  • Most indigenous varieties of grapes (>250) in the world = unique and interesting

classification

  • Vinho (Wine)

    Wine not fitting into the below categories is simply known as ‘Vinho’(wine). They must comply with National and European Union regulations.

  • IG or IGP (Protected Geographical Indication)

    IGP applies to wines from a specific region named on the label, produced with at least 85% of grapes of that region. They are subject to strict rules of control. These wines can be labelled as “Vinho Regional” (Regional Wine).

  • DOC or DOP (Protected Designation of Origin)

    DOP applies to wine products with originality and individuality due to an inextricably link to a particular region, place or traditional denomination with specific characteristics deriving from the local terroir (geographic environment, natural and human factors). These wines are subject to strict rules of control in order to guarantee authenticity and quality and can be labelled as DOC.

Grapes (white)

  • Alvarinho

    Mainly grown in the Minho (known as albariño in Spain), this produces crisp, aromatic wines with notes of peach, apple and citrus fruits with a mineral character.

  • Arinto

    Widely grown in northern and central Portugal producing dry, tangy wines with plenty of citrus fruit. Known as padernã in Vinho Verde.

  • Fernão pires

    Known as maria gomes in Bairrada, this is a versatile grape making crisp, aromatic wines with lowish acidity and floral notes.

  • Loureiro

    The most fragrant of the grapes used to make Vinho Verde.

  • Verdelho

    The same grape behind medium-sweet Madeira also makes soft, savoury full-flavoured dry table wines.

Grapes (Red)

  • Aragonez/aragonês

    Known as tinta roriz in northern Portugal (and tempranillo in Spain), this is one of the principal Douro grapes prized for its rich tannins and aromatic, raspberry, red-fruit flavour.

  • Alfrocheiro

    Though not especially widely planted, this is a very promising variety beloved of winemakers for its deep-coloured, well-balanced wines, but not liked by vine growers due to its susceptibility to rot.

  • Baga

    Mainly grown in Bairrada but found also in Dão this late-ripening variety can make lean tannic reds but in the right hands, dense reds with bright cherry fruit are made which are capable of long ageing. Also used for the base for sparkling wine.

  • Castelão

    One of the most widely planted varieties, particularly in the south where it is often called periquita, making fleshy, fruity, sometimes gamey reds for short or long-term keeping.

  • Touriga nacional

    The backbone of many Ports and now appreciated for the quality of its red wines too. Small grapes give a high concentration of colour, extract, sweetness, and aroma, which can make it ideal for longer term ageing.

  • Trincadeira

    One of the most widespread varieties making flavourful, dry reds with blackcurrant fruit flavours and herbaceous, floral aromas.

Information on this page is adapted from

https://nowinportugal.com/the-wines-of-portugal/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_wine
https://www.thewinesociety.com/discover/explore/regional-guides/portuguese-wine-ultimate-guide