Portugal

A Thousand-Year Heritage: The History of Wine in Portugal Location and Importance of the Portuguese Vineyard Portugal, at the southwestern tip of Europe, is located on the Iberian Peninsula, between the 36° and 42° parallels north. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and neighboring Spain, this compact country, approximately 560 km long and 160 km wide, offers a unique diversity of terroirs. With 195,000 hectares of vineyards (2016), Portugal ranks 9th in the world for its wine-growing area. Present everywhere, but especially in the center and north, Portuguese vines are at the heart of national agriculture, supported by varied soils and climates that allow the production of a wide range of wines. The First Steps: From Antiquity to Mediterranean Civilizations The history of the vine in Portugal begins more than 4,000 years ago, when Turco-Mongols cultivated the first vines in the valleys of the Tagus and Sado rivers. The Phoenicians, from the 10th century BC, introduced new grape varieties and stimulated the wine trade. The Greeks, in the 7th century BC, modernized viticultural practices, while the Romans, between the 2nd and 5th centuries BC, industrialized production and developed wine trade throughout the Iberian Peninsula. From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance: Resilient Viticulture After the fall of the Roman Empire, the peninsula experienced a succession of invasions (Visigoths, Moors). The Moors tolerated viticulture, allowing its survival. With the Christian Reconquest (1139-1250), Portugal gained independence and viticulture developed thanks to the Cistercian monks who introduced advanced winemaking techniques. During the Age of Discoveries (15th-16th centuries), Portuguese wines, such as Muscat of Madeira and Vinho Verde, began to travel around the world. The Rise of Port and the Triangular Trade The 17th century marked a turning point. The English discovered port, a fortified wine that became iconic. The Methuen Treaty (1703) sealed trade relations between Portugal and England, strengthening the export of port. In 1756, the Douro region became the first demarcated wine appellation in the world, laying the foundations for modern regulations. Challenges and Renewals (19th – 20th Centuries) The 19th and 20th centuries were marked by crises: phylloxera, Napoleonic Wars and political instability. However, wine cooperatives emerged, restructuring the industry. Portugal’s entry into the European Union (1986) marked a new era: modernization, controlled appellations, and a return to high-quality wines. The Diversity of Climates and Soils: The Secret of Portuguese Wines Climate: Between Ocean and Mediterranean Sun The Portuguese climate is influenced by the Atlantic, offering mild winters and hot summers. Coastal regions such as Minho benefit from abundant rainfall (up to 2,400 mm/year), while the Alentejo in the south is drier. The temperature differences between summer and winter, as well as between day and night, play a key role in grape ripening. Soils: A Rich and Varied Geology Portuguese geology, shaped by millions of years of evolution, offers a great diversity of soils: schists, granites, clays, limestones and sands. The Douro, with its schist terraces and unique microclimate, is a jewel listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In contrast, the southern plains favor sandy and limestone soils, ideal for local grape varieties such as Arinto or Alicante Bouschet. Florian Tonello: Artisan of Natural Wine in Dão Ladidadi/Pinheiro – The alliance of natural wine and the Dão terroir In Penalva do Castelo, Florian Tonello and Hugo Pinheiro cultivate the art of natural wine while respecting the soil. On 2.65 hectares of organic vines over 30 years old, the emblematic grape varieties of Dão – Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Encruzado – give rise to full-bodied reds and elegant whites. Spontaneous fermentations, without added sulfites, take place in concrete and stainless steel vats. Between short macerations and precise work in the cellar, their vintages express the richness of granite soils and the freshness of a mid-altitude vineyard. A modern vision of a centuries-old heritage. The Great Wine Regions of Portugal Portugal, renowned for its wine diversity, offers wines of unique richness. From north to south, each region offers indigenous grape varieties and centuries-old traditions that make its appellations famous. Dão: A Unique Wine Region at the Heart of our shop The Dão wine region, demarcated since 1908, is one of the oldest in Portugal. Nestled between the Serra da Estrela, Serra do Caramulo and Serra da Nave mountains, it covers around 20,000 hectares of vineyards, divided between small producers and large quintas. The climate is temperate, with annual rainfall of 800 to 1,200 mm, cool winters and hot, dry summers, ideal for growing vines. The region's well-drained, mineral-rich granite soils allow for the production of elegant and balanced wines. In red, grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, representing around 20% of the plantations, as well as Tinta Roriz and Alfrocheiro Preto, produce complex and structured wines, often aged for several months in oak barrels. In white, Encruzado dominates, offering fresh and aromatic wines. Each year, the region produces around 40 million liters of wine, much of which is consumed locally. The bottles we carry come exclusively from this region, a testament to the excellence and winemaking expertise of this region. With its magnificent landscapes, refined wines and rich history, the Dão embodies the best of Portuguese winemaking tradition. Portuguese Grape Varieties: A Journey to the Heart of the Terroir Portugal is a true treasure trove for wine lovers, with more than 250 indigenous grape varieties that reveal the diversity and richness of its soil. Here is an overview of the most emblematic grape varieties and a zoom on those available in our shop. White Wines Fernão Pires (or Maria Gomes) The most cultivated white grape variety in Portugal. Its floral and fruity aromas are reminiscent of muscat. Versatile, it is used for sweet white wines, sparkling wines and light blends. Alvarinho This grape variety, native to the Vinho Verde region, produces complex, mineral, and intense white wines. Its flavors evoke peach, citrus, and sometimes tropical touches. Recognized for its quality, it is often vinified as a single varietal. Arinto Known for its vibrant acidity, Arinto produces fresh wines with notes of lemon and apple. Excellent for young or sparkling whites, it is appreciated for its ability to retain a marked freshness even at high temperatures. Encruzado An exclusive grape of the Dão, Encruzado offers elegant, balanced, and full-bodied wines. Its delicate aromas of flowers and citrus combine well with oak aging, which adds structure and a touch of complexity. Red Wines Touriga Franca A key grape of the Douro Valley, Touriga Franca is prized for its rich, aromatic wines, with floral and blackberry notes. It is essential in Port blends and contributes to the structure and depth of reds. Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) Under its Portuguese name, this grape produces powerful and elegant reds, with aromas of red fruits, plum and blackberry. The structured tannins and good acidity guarantee excellent aging potential. Tinta Amarela (Trincadeira) Grown in warm soils, Tinta Amarela produces opulent, balanced and aromatic wines. Its flavors of pepper, aromatic herbs and raspberry are ideal for complex blends. Castelão Native to southern Portugal, Castelão produces firm and balanced reds, marked by raspberry aromas evolving towards woody and spicy notes. Our Available Grape Varieties Touriga Nacional Considered one of the noblest grapes of Portugal, Touriga Nacional is the jewel of the Dão and Douro. Its wines, renowned for their aromatic intensity and complexity, offer rich flavors of blackcurrant, violet, and raspberry, often accompanied by herbal nuances such as bergamot. This robust grape produces powerful, balanced reds with excellent aging potential, perfect for pairing with hearty dishes or for aging in the cellar. Loureiro Typical of the Vinho Verde region, Loureiro produces fresh and lively white wines with refined floral notes and citrus nuances. It is particularly well-suited to oceanic climates and is known for its elegance and lightness. Its wines pair ideally with seafood and light dishes, perfectly reflecting the richness and freshness of the Portuguese Northwest. Jaen Emblematic of the Dão, Jaen is a red grape with a unique character. Originating in the 14th century, it is renowned for its intense aromas of red fruits, its beautiful acidity, and its deep color. Although its cultivation requires special attention due to its susceptibility to disease, it rewards the efforts of winemakers with balanced and fruity wines. Perfect for lovers of accessible reds, it perfectly illustrates the diversity of the Portuguese region. Our selection invites you to explore these unique grape varieties, true witnesses to the know-how and authenticity of the Portuguese vineyard. Each bottle tells a story rich in traditions and flavors. The Classification of Portuguese Wines Portugal, rich in a long winemaking history and an incredible diversity of terroirs, offers wines from all its regions. In 1986, with its entry into the European Union, the country aligned its wine legislation with European standards. Since 2009, a simplified system groups all classifications into two main categories: wines without geographical indication and those with geographical indication, including PDO (Denominação de Origem Protegida) and PGI (Indicação Geográfica Protegida). Wines Without Geographical Indication Table Wines Table wines known as "de mesa" are the most free in terms of production. They can offer pleasant surprises or, sometimes, less accomplished experiences. This is the most open and unregulated category. Wines With Geographical Indication Vinho Regional (VR or IGP) This classification corresponds to the French IGP or the Italian IGT. It highlights a specific region of production, such as Alentejano. Although it imposes fewer constraints than DOC designations, it allows winemakers greater freedom to experiment with different grapes and techniques. Wines labeled Vinho Regional can achieve remarkable levels of quality thanks to the creativity of producers. However, this flexibility also means that quality can vary. Denominação de Origem Controlada (DOC or DOP) Equivalent to French AOCs, DOC wines obey the strictest rules. These regulations cover aspects such as soil types, permitted grape varieties, maximum yields, winemaking techniques, and bottling. Since European standardization, DOC and DOP have become synonymous and designate protected designations of origin. These wines represent the most authentic and rigorous expression of the Portuguese terroir, with a particular emphasis on quality and typical characteristics. The Portuguese appellation system reflects the richness and diversity of its vineyards. From non-GI wines to prestigious DOCs, each category offers opportunities for wine lovers to discover the essence of Portugal, combining freedom of expression with rigorous tradition.