Wine in Portugal goes hand in hand with the history of the country's formation. Even before the Romans populated the Iberian Peninsula, there were already some practices around vine growing. However, it was precisely with these inhabitants that techniques were perfected and new varieties were introduced. Then, with Christianity and the celebration of communion, wine becomes indispensable for this ritual, which ultimately increases the cultivation of vines and, consequently, the production of wine for this purpose.
Another important fact in the history of Portuguese wine was undoubtedly the Portuguese expansion. In our ships, along with so many other products, the wine was going and through these long trips we learned about the importance of aging and the influence of the type and conditions of packaging. This way, we took the wine to other parts of the world and also thanks to it we left our mark.
Over the last few centuries, wine has achieved an increasingly prominent place both in the habits of the Portuguese and in our own economy and culture. The climate, the geographic disposition and the so rooted agricultural culture are some of the factors that determine the richness and quality of our so appreciated wine. The lands that host the different wine regions are marked by grape varieties so unique that the aromas and flavors, characteristic of each of them, are only identifiable by the true connoisseurs.
Portugal is one of the largest wine producers in the world and currently has 14 different production regions: Vinho Verde, Trás os Montes, Porto and Douro, Távora and Varosa, Bairrada, Dão and Lafões, Beira Interior, Lisboa, Tejo, Península de Setúbal, Alentejo, Algarve, Madeira and Azores. From all of them, Different Portugal has selected, for this text, the wines that are most appreciated by those who visit us.
Vinho Verde (Green Wine)
Located in the northern part of the country, the Vinho Verde wine region is the largest in the country and benefits from extraordinary weather conditions and abundant watersheds, which make its soils quite fertile and excellent for wine production. This wine is essentially characterized by its lightness, freshness and fruity aromatic notes. It is ideal to accompany a fish or seafood meal or simply to enjoy a late summer afternoon. For those who have not yet tasted it, wait for an involving and authentic type of wine, with lower alcohol content but with a strong ability to harmonize with great dishes of Portuguese gastronomy.
Dão
The wine from this region, located in the centre of the country, between the coast and the interior, is presented in our glass as a robust and intense wine. These wines do justice to the gastronomy of their own area, which is thriving on rich and full-bodied dishes. They are great for making a meal even more comforting on the coldest days but also for enjoying a good cheese board and national sausages. Those who taste Dão wines carry in their memory and on their palate the sublime elegance of its intense aromas: in the reds a velvety flavour and in the whites, fruity aromas with balanced acidity.
Lisboa
Characterized by having an extensive variety of wines, the Lisbon wine region has great conditions to produce wine of excellent quality. The climatic variations and the different typologies of land make the wines produced in this region a source of inspiration for the most diverse Portuguese dishes, for its almond flavour and accentuated perfume. Because each Portuguese dish always goes well with a good wine to go with it, we suggest you try a white wine of this region, well chilled, with some "Bulhão Pato" clams.
Alentejo
Allied to the strength and structure of the very landscape from which they are produced, the wines of the Alentejo region appear at each tasting with a lightness, colour and sublime aromas. Their fame is already long and this is due to a number of selected grape varieties that give Alentejo wines a unique quality. In addition, this region is wise in the art of wine making and its people have been working the wine fields for many generations. When it comes to taste, these wines are distinguished from others by their soft white wines, slightly acidic and with slight notes of tropical fruits; while their red wines are more full-bodied and intense with aromas of wild and red fruits. To talk about Alentejo wines without mentioning the delicious and extensive gastronomy of the region is almost a sin. This is because one thing complements the other, giving it more colour and flavour. Delight yourself with typical Alentejo dishes based on pork, such as a "Carne de Porco Frita à Alentejana" or a "Carne do Alguidar", the famous "Migas", the "Açordas", and finish with a "Sericaia", while you try one or more wines from this region.
If you are a wine lover and enjoy rich and tasty dishes, Portugal awaits you.Embark on the discovery of a country that gathers at the table, in the glass and on the plate, two of the best sensorial experiences: wine and food.