31 - Portugal

Question 1

Describe the climate across Portugal?

Answer 1

It has a wide range of climates. The single most importan influence is the Atlantic Ocean. Much of the country has maritime climate, however in many inland vineyards the climate is hot, dry and continental. regions in altitude can help to mitigate the very high temperatures.

Question 2

What is the Portuguese for PDO?

Answer 2

Denominacao de Origiem Protegida, but the the more traditional Denominacao de Origiem Controlada (DOC) is widely used.

Question 3

PGI is Indicao Geografica Protegida (IGP), but what is the more traditional term used?

Answer 3

Vinho Regional.

Question 4

What are the 5 main wine regions of Portugal?

Answer 4

• Vinho Verde
• Douro
• Dao
• Bairrada
• Alentejo

Question 5

Where is Vinho Verde and what is the climate here?

Answer 5

The North West of Portugal, ver close to the Atalantic, it has a moderate maritime climate. it has a high annual rainfall, so without careful canopy management, this can lead to excessive canopy growth and encourage disease.

Question 6

What are the three dominant varietals in Vinho Verde?

Answer 6

• Arinto
• Alvarinho (Albarino)
• Loureiro

Question 7

Instead of tradiotional pergola trellising, what technique is commonly being used instead?

Answer 7

Spur pruned VSP. To create airflow in the humid environment, healthy grapes and mechanisation.

Question 8

Describe the common profile of Vinho Verde wines?

Answer 8

Pale lemon coloured, high in acidity and low in alcohol (8% to 11.5% abv). Wines with lower alcohol are usually off -dry in style. If a sub region is named on the label they can have up to 14% abv. These wines are usually made from Loureiro or Arinto.

Question 9

In what small designated sub region is Alvarinho made in Vinho Verde?

Answer 9

Moncao e Melgaco. It has lsightly high alcohol (11.5% to 14% abv) and riper, more tropical aromas.

Question 10

Describe the region of Douro?

Answer 10

The oldest demarcated wine region in the world, located 80km east of Porto and stretches from the Marao mountains, to the frontier with Spain.

Question 11

What are the 5 dominant varietals in Douro

Answer 11

• Touriga Nacional
• Touriga Franca
• Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo)
• Tinta Barroca
• Tinta Cao

Question 12

What is the most important of the five Douro varietals?

Answer 12

Touriga Nacional is considered the highest quality and is the most well known. It give low yields of grapes and produces wines that have intense colour, flavours and high levels of tannins.

Question 13

Describe the common profile of wines from Douro?

Answer 13

Deeply coloured, full bodied, with high levels of tannin and rich black fruit flavours. Best examples often display subtle toasty aromas from maturation in new oak.

Question 14

Describe the climate and grape growing in Dao?

Answer 14

Located in a mountainous area 80 km south of Douro. Vines are planted on the gentler hills and slopes. Vineyards lie between 200 and 400 metres. Cold wet winters and warm dry summers, with a large diurnal range help create conditions for high quality grape growing.

Question 15

What is the common profile for Dao wines?

Answer 15

Often display delicate red fruit aromas, soft tannins and high acidity.

Question 16

What the fairly new dominant varietals in Dao?

Answer 16

• Touriga Nacional
• Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo)
• Jaen (Mencia)
• Alfrocheiro

Question 17

Describe the common profile of Alfrocheiro wines?

Answer 17

Deep in colour, intense aromas of blackberry and strawberry.

Question 18

What varietal are white wines from Dao made from?

Answer 18

Encruzado. They range in style from light and fresh, to richer, barrel-fermentated versions.

Question 19

Describe the Bairrada region?

Answer 19

It lies between the Dao and the Atlantic Ocean and has a maritime climate, with rainy winters and warm summers. Rain around ripening time can sometimes cause problems for late ripening varietals.

Question 20

What is the dominant black varietal in Bairrada and what is its common profile?

Answer 20

Baga. It’s a late ripening variety, with small black , thick skinned berries, giving wines that are deep in colour, with high tannin levels. Gentler crushing and maceration techniques, as well as blending with other varietals , have given rise to softer wines.

Question 21

Aside from Baga, what other varietals are common?

Answer 21

• Touriga Nacional
• Alfrocheiro
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Syrah
• Bical
• Maria Gomes

Question 22

Describe the region of Alentejo?

Answer 22

Spread over eight sub regions in the south east of Portugal. Overall has a warm growing season but small climatic differences among the sub regions allow for wide array styles to be made. Those in the cooler, wetter norht more elegant, and those in the hotter, drier, south and centre show much richer examples.

Question 23

The typical red blend in Alentejo is made with what varietals?

Answer 23

Aragones (Tempranillo) and Trincadeira which is a drought tolerant grape with spicy red berry flavours and high tannins.

Question 24

What other varietal is common in Alentejo blends?

Answer 24

Alicante Bouschet, which is high in colour and tannins.

Question 25

Arinto, Antao Vaz and Roupeiro blends in Alentejo make what sort of wines commonly?

Answer 25

Fruity and floral white wines, with medium to high levels of acidity. Some wines are fermented or aged in oak tp provide extra depth and complexity.

Question 26

What is the largest Vinho Regional region in terms of production?

Answer 26

Vinho Regional Alentejano. Which is based around Alentejo DOC but covers a far more extensive winemaking area.