Definition: Portugal

In addition to the famous Port, Portugal produces a range of wines that are very different from one another. This large wine-producing country, which boasts a long tradition of wine trade (dating back to^{the 12th} century), has eleven wine regions, bordered by the Douro and Tagus rivers, and 18 appellations:

Vinho Verde, Portugal's largest wine-growing region, produces port in the north-west of the country. The export success of this fortified wine has long overshadowed the region's other wines. Today, its red and white wines are being rediscovered, as well as a sweet, slightly sparkling wine, Mateus rosé.

The Douro vineyards, where the famous port grapes are harvested, stretch from the city of Porto to the centre of the country in the east, all the way to the Spanish border.

The centre benefits from a mild oceanic climate. It produces a wide variety of wines, the most famous appellations being Dao and Barraida.

The vast, warm plains south of the Tagus, which are less dynamic, are of less interest. These include the Alentejo and, in the far south, the Algarve. Finally, on the island of Madeira, Portugal's other great fortified wine has also gained a worldwide reputation.

Benefiting from exceptional conditions (favourable terroirs and climate), Portuguese winemakers, while drawing on centuries-old traditions, now rely on modern techniques and the support of highly skilled specialists to produce high-quality wines.

Grape varieties: Touriga Nacional undeniably produces a great table wine, in addition to port. It is increasingly found on wine labels in Portugal and elsewhere. Touriga Francesa and Tinto Cao are the other port grape varieties, capable of producing both fortified wines and less powerful wines. The Trincadeira Preta grape variety is very rich. Jaen produces a young, elegant wine. The grape variety known as Tempranillo in Spain is also very successful in Portugal, where it is called Tinta Roriz in the north and Aragonês in the south. Arinto is probably Portugal's most aristocratic white grape variety, but Biscal is also capable of ageing well, and Encruzado de Dao has great potential for full-bodied whites.