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WINES OF PORTUGAL
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varieties, contributing bright, refreshing acidity to white blends. When vinified on its own, it
features aromas of acacia and orange blossom with vegetal notes, a strong mineral character, a
full body, and distinct acidity.
Viosinho
| Vyou-Seen-Yoo |
— An excellent white variety of the Douro, Viosinho makes fresh,
fragrant wines with floral and apricot notes and good acidity, especially when planted at high
altitudes. Compare to Pinot Blanc.
Côdega do Larinho
| Ko-Deh-Ga Do Lar-Een-You |
— Côdega do Larinho is typically found
in the Douro and Trás-o-Montes regions of northeastern Portugal. This pale-skinned grape
produces wines with concentrated aromas of tropical fruits and white flowers.
Roupeiro
/Roo-Pay-Roo/
— Also known as Síria and Codega, this wine is typically grown in the
interior of Portugal. It has been the most planted white-grape variety in the Alentejo region,
where it is known as Roupeiro. This grape variety is produced in the higher and cooler lands
of Beiras, Douro (Siria) and Dão (Côdega). Roupeiro is a productive grape variety with small
bunches and berries. Though it is resistant to powdery and downy mildew, it is sensitive to rot.
Wines produced with this grape are delicate, fresh and elegant.
Red Grape Varieties
Alfrocheiro
| Al-Froo-Shay-Roo |
— A major red grape of the Dão but also planted in other
regions, Alfrocheiro makes wines that are dark red and rich in tannins. It features notes of
blackberry or strawberry with balanced acidity. Compare to red Burgundy.
Alicante Bouschet
/Al-ee-kant Boo-Shay/
— One of the few red fleshed grapes used in
winemaking. Originating in the South of France, a hybrid of Petite Bouschet and Grenache,
it has grown increasingly popular in Alentejo where it contributes color, volume, structure
and aromas of forest berries, cocoa and olives. This is the same grape as Garnacha Tintorera
in Spain.
Aragonez
/ Tinta Roriz | Ar-Ah-Go-Nesh / Teen-Tah Ro-Reesh |
— Called Aragonez in the
south and Tinta Roriz in the north, this grape makes fine, elegant red wines with aromas of red
fruits, plums, and blackberries. It has firm tannins and good aging potential. This is the same
grape as Tempranillo. Compare to Carignan and Sangiovese.
Baga
| Bah-Gah |
— Baga is a small, dark, thick-skinned grape mostly grown in Bairrada and in
the Beiras region. It ripens late and can make lean, tannic reds that can be astringent in youth
but prone to gain complexity with age. When more extracted, Baga can produce rich dense