Portugal has one of the most famous names in wine - Port. It's also home to one of the most famous wine brands - Mateus Rosé (Ahh, I remember a thousand table lamps and candle dripped bottles in faux wine bars…) In between those 2 iconic names, there is now SO much more. Vinho Verde, Dao, Smart Dog Syrah, Bairrada, Setubal etc etc. One of Portugals greatest strengths is in her reluctance to replace her native grape varieties with those of a more international flavour. Grapes such as Arinto, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Franca, Alvarinho, Viosinho, Bastardo, Bical etc are all planted across Portugal and are respected for their suitability to both soil and climate.
Climatically Portugal is governed by the Atlantic to the West, and the heat and continental effect of Spain to the East. Between these 2 extremes are Valleys that cut West to East, or lie Plains and Plateaus at varying altitudes and aspects to either of these 2 major climatic influences and a multitude of climatic pockets. In winemaking terms, Portugal is able to make wines that run from sharply acidic fresh white such as the 'green' Vinho Verde made in the cool North West Minho region, to bold and spicy reds, which are produced across Portugal, but traditionally these wines come from classic areas such as Dao, Bairrada and the Douro. Regionally, Portugal can be separated into 3 main areas of wine production. In the north the Minho, Douro, Dao and Bairrada DO's make up the top region, with the Estramadura region, which cuts a swathe across the middle of Portugal encompassing regions such as Ribatejo, Alentejo, Setubal, Redono, Colares and Borba making up another third. The southern region of Portugal consists of The Algarve, with Lagos, Portimao, Tavira and Lagoa making wines that, whilst interesting, lack the elegance of the cooler northern regions. However, of all the regions in Portugal, one vineyard area stands head and shoulders above all others. The Douro Valley, arguably the finest region in all of Portugal, makes both fortified and table wines, especially from local grapes, that are both in vogue, and capable of competing on a World-class stage.
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