The Portuguese Grape Varieties

Portugal's vineyards have evolved in isolation. Only a handful of varieties have crossed international frontiers, leaving Portugal with many indigenous grape varieties. Since joining the European Community, a number of studies have been undertaken to identify the most promising grape varieties; work is still continuing. International varieties, such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon , have made few inroads. Portugal's principal varieties are:

Louriero

Louriero is a laurel-scented white grape variety grown in Vinho Verde country in northern Portugal and, increasingly, as Lourerira in Rias Baixas. It is often blended with Trajadura (Treixadura in Spain) and can also be found as an aromatic varietal wine. It produces its best quality, usually quite low in alcohol, around Braga and the coast.

 

Alvarinho

Alvarinho is a distinctive white grape variety grown around the town of Moncao in the north west of Portugal's Vinho Verde country (and as Albarino in Galicia). The grapes' thick skins help them withstand the particularly damp climate, and can result in wines high in acidity, flavor and alcohol. Alvarinho was one of the first Portuguese grape varieties to appear on the labels of varietal wines.

 

Bical

Bical is a white grape variety grown mainly in Bairrada and Dao, where it is called Borrado das Moscas. The wines have good acidity, and are often used in blends for sparkling wines.

 

Arinto

Arinto is a white grape variety most commonly found in Bucelas in which it must constitute at least 75% of the blend. It is also grown in many other parts of Portugal, most notably Ribatejo and Terras do Sado. Arinto has high acidity and can yield wines which sometimes take on citrus quality with age. As an ingredient in Vinho Verde is it known as Pederna.

 

Touriga Nacional

Touriga Nacional is the variety for port and, increasingly, for fine dry reds. It produces small quantities of berries in the Douro Valley and Dao, which result in deep colored, tannic, concentrated wines. Touriga Nacional should constitute at least 20% of all red Dao, although the wine is more obviously suited to producing port than a red table wine.

 

Tinta Roriz

Tinta Roriz is Spain's Tempranillo and is also known as Aragonez in the Alentejo. Its grapes are thick skinned and capable of making deep colored, long-lasting wines that are relatively low in alcohol.

 

Baga

Baga is the most common grape variety planted in the Bairrada region, and is also grown in Dao and Ribatejo. It is also called Tinta Bairrada and Poeirinha. Its berries are notable for their thick skins, resulting in high tannin and acidic wines. The vines are also susceptible to rot and, as a result, tend to be harvested before they are fully ripe; thus accentuating the astringent taste of Baga-based wines. A substantial part of the Baga crop is bought in bulk to produce Mateus Rose.

 

Castelao Frances

Castelao Frances is a dark skinned grape variety planted all over southern Portugal. It is also know as Periquita in Terres di Sai and Ribatejo; as Joao de Santarem or Santarem in parts of Ribatejo; as Mortagua in Estremadura, and even Trincadeira Preta elsewhere. The wines produced from this grape can be fruity and drunk young.