A Non-Expert’s Guide to Wine for Beginners in Portugal
I consider myself an expert in all things Portugal. As a director of a buyers’ agency in this country, I am often faced with challenges like, “I’d like to buy a south-facing property perched on a cliff, overlooking the sea, far from civilization but not too far to walk to a quaint little train station and close enough to hospitals and schools.” Such a request seems quite fabulous, but it’s not so far from reality as it may seem. As these requests become more and more specific, so do the expats who want to embark on the dream of creating their own wine brand. Usually, it only lasts for a while. When faced with the harsh reality of creating their own wine, they are content with visiting the many wine farms that can be found in Portugal.
And here is where I became a non-expert in wine. I enjoy what I drink (and I have a penchant for wines from Alentejo), but I also discovered quite a lot on my wanderings in search of that wine farm in Douro that a client wanted to invest in. Making wine is hard, but of course, some people succeed at it, otherwise, we wouldn’t find this great variety of exciting wine growers in the country. So, if you are not a wine snob and want to take the time to read my non-expert tips, I am sure you will find something of interest here. I will briefly discuss wine regions, grape varieties, and types of wine. Please feel free to comment on any inaccuracies here; I am happy to learn with you too!
Understanding Portuguese Wine Regions
This is basic geography, but it can be helpful when considering your wine preferences. There are fourteen major wine regions in Portugal, but I will focus on four because these are the regions I have visited while searching for dream properties for our clients. By default, I learned a bit about them. They are the Douro Valley, Vinho Verde, Alentejo, and Dão. As I mentioned, I am not an expert, so I will try to explain their geographical characteristics and the types of wines they produce in simple terms (due to my limited knowledge of wines).
Douro Valley: Located in northern Portugal, it is one of the world’s oldest and most renowned wine regions. The unique terroir of the Douro Valley, with its steep terraced vineyards along the Douro River, significantly contributes to the character of its wines. It also provides a beautiful setting for wine tourism. During my last visit there, I learned that the region’s schist soils, hot summers, and cool winters create ideal conditions for grape cultivation, including Portugal’s hero fortified wine: Port wine. In addition to Port, the Douro Valley also produces excellent dry red and white wines.
Vinho Verde (or Minho): Verde translates to green, but it’s not about the color of the liquid; it’s related to the green, fresh flavor you get from this wine. This region in the northeast of Portugal is characterized by lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the fresh characteristics and wine effervescence it’s known for. You’ve probably already enjoyed a bottle at a beach bar in Portugal.
Alentejo: The Alentejo region is an interesting one. It’s bordered by Spain to the east, Algarve to the south, and the Atlantic to the west. If it weren’t for the historical towns, you might feel like you’re in California. It’s no wonder that some of our Californian clients are very interested in moving to this part of Portugal. With hot daytime temperatures followed by breezy nights, this region has the perfect climate for producing (and enjoying) wines.
Dão: The Dão wine region in Portugal is known for producing elegant and well-structured wines. It features a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, contributing to the development of rich, full-bodied wines made from indigenous grape varieties like Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz. The region’s wines are highly regarded among wine enthusiasts.
The Grapes and Types of Wine:
Now, let’s talk about grapes and wine types. There are many indigenous grape varieties I’ve never heard of, but after some research, I found that the Wines of Portugal website lists more than 250 native grape varieties. So, I won’t attempt to be a wine expert and explain the characteristics of each type, but I will list a few that I know well and highly recommend you try!
Touriga Nacional: Every country has its hero grape, and Portugal has Touriga Nacional, which I’ve also heard grows in Australia, but it’s a native variety of Portugal. Touriga Nacional produces intensely aromatic and deeply colored wines with flavors of dark fruits and floral notes. It’s often used to produce high-quality Port and dry red wines.
Alvarinho: Also known as Albariño in Spain, it’s a white grape variety renowned for its crisp acidity and vibrant citrus and stone fruit flavors. It’s primarily used in the production of refreshing and aromatic white wines, notably in the Vinho Verde region of Portugal.
Encruzado: This was a surprising find for me after visiting the Dão region. Encruzado is a white grape variety with the potential to create complex, full-bodied white wines with floral aromas and balanced acidity. I highly recommend pairing it with Mediterranean flavors and roasts.
Aragonês: Also known as Tempranillo in Spain and South America, it’s a red grape variety widely cultivated in Portugal, particularly in the Alentejo region. It’s well-known for producing wines with moderate acidity and smooth tannins. Aragonês is also a key component in many Portuguese red wine blends and is valued for its ability to add structure and character to the final wine.
Port Wine:
I wanted to dedicate a section to Portugal’s most famous wine export: Port. However, I know this post is getting a bit long, so I will briefly mention that a grape variety is also used to make White Port. Thus, White Port is also used to create a deliciously refreshing cocktail called Porto Tónico. You must try this one! Most of Portugal’s port wineries have visitor centers in Vila Nova de Gaia, a lovely town opposite Porto, where you can learn about its history, how it’s made, and the different styles, from Tawny to Vintage.
Vinho Verde:
Vinho Verde is a famous Portuguese white wine known for its light, refreshing character. It can be made from various grape varieties, including Alvarinho, Loureiro, Trajadura, and Arinto for white wines and Azal and Vinhão for red and rosé wines. Typically, it has a relatively low alcohol content, making it a perfect choice for warm weather or as a lighter option.
There are other wines, such as fortified Madeira wine, the beautiful volcanic wines of the Azores, and other wine regions worth exploring. However, covering them all would require more than an article and should be done by an expert. Nevertheless, I recommend anyone embark on a journey to explore Portuguese wines. It’s a fascinating and rewarding experience for wine enthusiasts of all levels. By providing this beginner’s guide, I hope to help wine novices like me feel more confident and excited about exploring the world of Portuguese wines.
