Portugal as a wine producing country is sometimes unfortunately overshadowed by its European neighbours, however, it has a long wine making history and the region’s popularity is growing as people start to take notice of its quality and unique character.
The country has a large array of native grape varietals which are used to produce an abundant variety of different wines. Nevertheless, the two most popular wines styles exported are from Vinho Verde and the Douro regions.
Douro is the home of Port wine, and the city of Oporto where the wine gets its name. It is one of the major rivers in Portugal, and with fertile soils around its banks, increased attention has also been given to the Douro region’s non fortified wine production in recent years. Full bodied and concentrated dry reds made from grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Spanish Tempranillo, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca and Tinto Cão are all worth a try.
Vinho Verde in the north of Portugal is responsible for producing effervescent, lively, and refreshing white wine that is increasingly becoming Portugal’s most famous. Perfect when served chilled on a hot day, it is known for zingy lime flavours, a sharp minerality and subtle grassiness. The wine is often a blend but will usually be predominantly based on Alvarinho grapes which gives it its unique character.
