Portugal has diverse regions with very distinctive characters due to different soils, climates and varieties. The North is dominated by granite, while the middle is Calcareous with some Terra Rossa soils, flatter and sandier earth at the Tagus River and a great variety of soils in Alentejo.. The following gives a taste of some of the main regions.
[title text=”Vinho Verde” style=”bold_center”]
A speciality, traditionally called green wine due to its refreshing acidity, lower alcohol and spritz. More recently being produced as single varieties (Alvarinho (Albarino), Loureiro, Trajadura) as well as blends.
Vinho Verde
Order Code: VVERDE
Green apple, refreshing spritz.
Vintage: 2015
[button size=”small” style=”alt-button primary” text=”VIEW” link=”https://winemason.ie/product/vinho-verde/”]
Docil Loureiro
Order Code: NIEDOC
Dry, floral, citrus.
Vintage: 2015
[button size=”small” style=”alt-button primary” text=”VIEW” link=”https://winemason.ie/product/docil-loureiro/”]
[title text=”Douro” style=”bold_center”]
Dry red wines with international recognition are produced as well as fortified wines and some complex whites. The main soil type is schist with some granite, red varieties include Touriga Francesa, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, and Tinta Cao. Douro reds are typically richly scented, floral and refined.
Vertente
Order Code: NIVERT
Elegant, smooth, blackberry.
Vintage: 2015
[button size=”small” style=”alt-button primary” text=”VIEW” link=”https://winemason.ie/product/vertente/”]
[title text=”Lisboa” style=”bold_center”]
Newer region making fine reds and particularly delicious whites from Arinto, Viosinho and Fernao Pires.
Vale da Capucha Branco
Order Code: CAPUCW
Fennel, orange blossom, saline.
Vintage: 2012
[button size=”small” style=”alt-button primary” text=”VIEW” link=”https://winemason.ie/product/vale-da-capucha-branco/”]
[title text=”Bairrada” style=”bold_center”]
Bairrada is synonymous with the Baga grape. Its reputation is of one that is difficult and tannic but in the right hands it is one of the most ethereal with great aging capacity.
Lagar de Baixo
Order Code: BAIXO
Old and young vines, complex.
Vintage: 2013
[button size=”small” style=”alt-button primary” text=”VIEW” link=”https://winemason.ie/product/lagar-de-baixo/”]
[title text=”Dao” style=”bold_center”]
Much colder with more rainfall than Douro, granitic yielding excellent Touriga Nacional, supported by Alfrocheiro and Jaen (Mencia). Modern Dao is supple and pure with refreshing acidity.
Rotulo
Order Code: NIROTU
Bramble fruit, freshness.
Vintage: 2013
[button size=”small” style=”alt-button primary” text=”VIEW” link=”https://winemason.ie/product/dao-rotulo/”]
[title text=”Alentajo” style=”bold_center”]
A large region, it is the hottest and driest. Synonymous with Alicante Bouschet, a teinturier, having great colour and distinctive floral and rich fruit flavours.
Dom Rafael Tinto
Order Code: DOMRAT
Ripe fruit, spicy, savoury.
Vintage: 2013
[button size=”small” style=”alt-button primary” text=”VIEW” link=”https://winemason.ie/product/dom-rafael-tinto/”]
