Portuguese wine is currently attracting a lot of attention around the world. In addition to producing ``cheap, delicious, and value-for-money wine,'' Portugal also produces many unique, high-quality wines made from unique grapes that can only be grown in Portugal.
This article is about Portuguese wine. We will also introduce how to choose and recommended wines.
The charm of “Portuguese wine” that is attracting attention all over the world
A long history comparable to France and Italy
Wine began to be drunk in Portugal around the 6th to 7th century BC. Production began during the Roman period between the 5th and 6th centuries BC, and wine has been produced for over 2,000 years.
Portugal also has strong ties with Japan. Much of the Western culture that has taken root in Japan was brought over by Portugal. Wine is one of them. The first wine to appear in Japanese literature is Portuguese wine.
“Uncharted territory” even for wine experts around the world
What makes Portuguese wine unique is the countless number of grape varieties. Even among wine experts around the world, few people are familiar with the grape varieties produced in Portugal, and it is said to be "uncharted territory."
Additionally, older vineyards are planted with multiple grape varieties and are often blended together, so it may not be possible to identify all the grapes.
Despite its long history, Portuguese wine is a "secret wine" that has yet to be discovered. It sounds kind of exciting, doesn't it?
How to choose Portuguese wine
First, I will introduce words related to wine (Portuguese). It is often written on the bottle, so it is useful to remember it.
- About Vinho Tinto red wine
- About Vinho Branco white wine
- The name of the Quinta farm. It has the same meaning as "château" in French wine.
Portuguese wine grading system
In Portugal, there are three classifications that guarantee the quality of wine. Checking the label will help you when making a purchase.
DOC (or DOP)
DOC is a title given to wines of the highest quality. Portugal has 31 DOC/DOP regions. DOC wines are produced according to various regulations such as maximum grape yield and grape variety.
Vinho Regional (or IG/IGP)
Portuguese wines are divided into 14 wine regions (Vigno Regionals). It is not considered to be of very high quality because there are no regulations governing the types of grapes used or the maximum grape yield.
However, there are also many creative and pioneering producers who are making wine in the Vinho Region on a dare, using grapes and blends that are not allowed by the DOC to create superior wines.
Vinho (or Wine)
This is the basic classification of Portuguese table wine. There are no rules like those stipulated by DOC or Vinho Regional.
Recommended wines from Portugal
I would like to introduce two recommended regions for trying Portuguese wine. "Douro" and "Minho".
Still and port wines from the Douro region
Douro is one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world.
The Douro Valley has a wide variety of terroirs, but most vineyards are located in hot, dry regions and grown on steep terraced slopes. The scenery is so beautiful that it has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are two types of Douro wine: still wine and fortified wine.
douro red wine
In the past, only sake-fortified ``Port wine'' was attracting attention, but recently, still wine ``Douro wine'' has been receiving high praise all over the world.
Douro wine is made from over 80 grape varieties, but there are five main varieties. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tintabarroca, Tintocao, and Tintarollis (Tempranillo).
Among them, Touriga National is the most highly rated. It has been described as similar to Cabernet Sauvignon. Blackberry flavor with firm tannins. Contains flavors of spice and leather. This variety is suitable for aging.
The most commonly planted variety is Touriga Franca. Touriga Franca is characterized by a stronger aroma and lighter body than Touriga National.
・Recommended bottles
Santos & Seisho Santos da Casa Grande Reserva Douro [2013] 750ml Red
It is made by blending about 20 types of grapes, mainly Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional, from old vines that are over 100 years old. A dry, medium-bodied red wine with hints of blackberry, minerality, and thickness from the barrel.
douro white wine
Douro Blanco is a refreshing mineral white wine with minimal fruitiness, a touch of saltiness and high acidity.
・Recommended bottles
Santos & Seisho Santos da Casa Douro White [2020] 750ml White
A dry white made from Viogini, Ravigato, and Gouveio grapes. A well-balanced flavor with apricot nuances and citrus freshness.
Fortified wine “Port wine”
Port wine is Portugal's representative fortified wine. It is made in the city of Porto in the Douro region.
Port wine is made by adding brandy to wine. Originally, when wine was exported from Portugal to England by ship, brandy was added to stabilize the wine.
A sweet port wine with flavors of raspberry, blackberry, caramel, cinnamon and chocolate sauce. Enjoy it as a dessert wine or an aperitif!
Vinho Verde wine from the Minho region
Vinho Verde is the largest DOC in Portugal.
Vinho = wine, Verde = green, and is called ``green wine.'' It seems that the name was given to mean ``young wine.''
It is produced in the Minho region of Portugal, facing the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by mountains to the north and east and warm currents to the west, it has a blessed climate with cool summers and warm winters. Produces fresh and fruity wines.
Vinho Verde is characterized by high acidity and fruity freshness. In summer, we recommend drinking it chilled. Just as Portugal is famous for its seafood dishes, vinho verde pairs perfectly with sea dishes such as octopus and cod.
The main grapes used are the floral Loureiro, the Trajadura, which reduces acidity and stabilizes the wine, the mineral Arinto (Pedernan), the creamy and mineral Avesso, and the fine Albariño, which has a subtle mineral aroma.
・Recommended bottles
Quinta da Richa Terrace de Minho Vinho Verde [NV] 750ml White Wine
A dry white wine made from 45% Loureiro, 35% Torajadura, and 20% Arinto. The fresh and fruity taste can be enjoyed both casually and elegantly.
Enjoy the hidden charm of "Portuguese wine"
"Portuguese wine" is made by blending a variety of grape varieties that even wine experts cannot fully grasp. One of its charms is its culture, which has developed in its own way without being influenced by France or Italy. Please enjoy this wine, which is said to be the last unknown wine in Western Europe, by actually drinking it and discovering its charm.
