Regional Wine Guide: Portugal
Carly Merrett
Kiss of wine
Perhaps better known for its beaches and seafood, Portugal also boasts a productive and highly regarded winemaking industry. While Port wine put Portugal on the winemaking map, its repertoire expanded to all styles in surprising quantities. They continue to gain popularity due to their fine quality and unique variety.
History
As one of the less famous wine regions, it’s sometimes easy to forget that Portugal boasts a long and rich history in winemaking. It dates back to 2000 BC when the Tartassians went to the valleys of Tejo and Sado. It was, however, the Phonecians who first cultivated different winemaking techniques and introduced different varieties of grapes.
Main Regions and Varieties
Wine is produced right across Portugal. Split by geographical features and climate, most regions are defined by the river which runs through them. Mountains, cool Atlantic climates or hot interiors produce Portuguese wines of a wide variety.
Major regions are:
Douro
Dao
Minho
grapes
For centuries, Portuguese winemaking evolved with little influence from the outside. As a result, many of their varieties are native to the region. Let’s take a look at some unique and indigenous grapes of Portugal!
Touriga Nacional Wine
Alvarinho (Albariño)
Antaô Vaz
Wine styles
While Portugal captures all wine styles with excellent quality and quantity, there are two that stand out as iconic to this country — Port and Vinho Verde.