Discovery Series Explores Red Wines of Portugal
Portugal has an incredible diversity of red wine styles, ranging from light and fruity to rich and dense, as well as sweet and full-bodied port wines.
Exploring the Diversity of Portuguese Red Wines.
Portuguese red wines are produced from a mix of indigenous and international grapes.
Portugal is home to over 250 indigenous grape varieties, many of which can only be found there, including baga, tinta barroca, tinto cão, touriga franca and touriga nacional. Domestically produced international varieties include cabernet sauvignon and syrah.
Exploring the Diversity of Portuguese Red Wines.
Portugal’s Bairrada and Lisboa regions have maritime-influenced climates.
The Bairrada and Lisboa wine regions are heavily influenced by their proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. This cooler climate results in fresher, lighter wines with bright and juicy flavors.
Exploring the Diversity of Portuguese Red Wines.
Inland regions of Portugal include the Douro, Dão, Tejo and Alentejo.
The Douro and Alentejo regions are hot and dry, with a continental climate, and produce full-bodied, rich and concentrated reds. Higher-elevation vineyards in the Dão result in wines with power and freshness. The Tejo region produces bright and fruity wines.
Exploring the Diversity of Portuguese Red Wines.
Port, a fortified wine from the Douro River Valley, is produced in three general styles.
White port is made in small quantities and can be medium-dry to intensely sweet. Ruby port provides generous red and black fruit flavors and a sweet, full-bodied palate. Tawny port is amber in color with rich, sweet flavors reminiscent of nuts and dried fruits.
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