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WINES OF PORTUGAL
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DOC Alentejo/VR Alentejano
| Ah-Lan-Teh-Zhoo / Ah-Lan-Teh-Zha-New |
A vast region in the southeast of Portugal that covers about one-third of the country, Alentejo
consists of mostly plains and hills, and has a hot and dry growing season. The region has long
been responsible for producing wine that stimulates domestic consumption. Known for its rich
and fruity red wines made from indigenous grapes, including Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet,
Castelão, and Trincadeira, this region is also known to produce most of the world’s cork!
VR Beira Atlântico
| Bey-Rah At-Lan-Tee-Ko |
Beira Atlântico is a large appellation located in central Portugal, stretching from just south
of the city of Oporto past golden surfing beaches, the rice fields and salt lagoons of Aveiro,
encompassing the DOC vineyards of Bairrada. The southern part of the region bulges out to
the east, taking in the university city of Coimbra and rising to the delightful Serra da Lousa, and
then down again into the basin of the meandering Rio Zezere. In general, the climate in Beira
Atlântico is Continental, hot and dry in the summer with long, cold winters. Soils vary, but the
best vineyard sites often contain schist or quartz. This region is the birthplace of Baga, one of
Portugal’s most noble varieties.
DOC Dão
| Dah-o(N) |
This cool-climate region, protected by three mountain ranges, is rich in granite soil that absorbs
and reflects heat, helping to ripen grapes and add balanced, natural acidity. High-quality reds
are based on Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro and Jaen; the key white grape is Encruzado, which
makes wines that are zesty yet full-bodied enough to barrel-ferment. The supply of red and
white wines is limited, putting this region in high demand.