Portugal - The Basics

History--red

Although a small country geographically, the influence on the world of wine has been huge, from dry reds to powerful Ports, to the unique wines of Madeira.

Portugal’s wine history dates back to Roman times, but it wasn't until the early 1800s that 'Port' was invented and put the country on the map.

Portugal’s red table wine had already been in high demand, with most of it being shipped to England. In an attempt to give the wines a better chance at surviving the long sea voyage, small amounts of brandy were added to barrels of wine before shipment. It worked so well that companies began adding the alcohol during fermentation, which preserved the distinctive 'red wine flavours' that are now the typical telltales of Port.

Then we have the remote Portuguese island-colony of Madeira developed wine as an important trading commodity too, but its unusual evolution came about from long sea journeys that exposed the wine high levels of heat, essentially cooking the wine. This became a complex combination of heat and fortification techniques that are now the blueprint for Madeira production.

Recently the Douro Valley has become the shining light of the country's wine industry, developing modern-style dry red and white wines, as well as the highly traditional production of Port. Thus the old and the new shine together in this innovative wine country!

Main regions--aromatic

Douro Valley - a narrow valley that is the birthplace of famous fortified wine Port. The wines are shipped along the Douro river to Porto, a coastal city that gives the wines their name. In modern times the Douro also produces stunning dry reds from the same grape variety, Touriga Nacional.

Minho - a region in the northern part of Portugal, not far from the Spanish border. Here we find Vinho Verde, the legendary white wine made from local varieties. Low in alcohol, high in acidity, the wines are tangy and bright.

Main grapes--racy

Touriga Nacional - whilst the entire Portugese wine industry is basically built on local varieties, one stands above them all - Touriga Nacional. Used for both port and dry table wine production, this is an incredible variety. A 'go to' grape for lovers of rich reds - expect blueberry, plum and blackberry flavours, mixed with violets, mint and charcoal. Gravelly tannins balance out the lush fruit, and the wines should finish on a fresh note.

Specific wine styles--strawberry

Port - probably the world's most famous fortified wine. Made using mostly Touriga Nacional grapes, and many other local red varieties. A little sweet, fortified and very powerful.

Vinho Verde - light whites that are perfect with seafood. Made using Alvarinho, Loueiro, Arinto and other local varieties.

Madeira - a small island off the coast of Africa that produces wonderful fortified wines, similar in style to Port, but generally with more acidity and thus can age for longer. These wines are also more oxidative than Port.