31. Portugal Flashcards
Describe the climate of Portugal.
- Maritime climate (Atlantic Ocean)
- Continental climate (inland, dry, hot)
- large difference in annual avg temperature
- some altitude
Describe the climate and vineyard management of Vinho Verde.
- North-west of Portugal
- Moderate Maritime Climate
- High annual rainfall
- Careful canopy management to combat disease
- spur-pruned VSP to create airflow
Describe the white wines of Vinho Verde.
- Loureiro, Arinto, Alvarinho (Albarino)
- pale lemon color
- high acidity
- low alcohol (8%-11.5%)
- some off-dry
- slight sparkling sensation
-if a variety, sub-region or authorized quality labelling term is used, the wine can have up to 14% abv.
Describe Vinho Verde Alvarinho.
- 100% Alvarinho (Albarino)
- from subregion: Moncao e Melgaco
- more alcohol (11.5-14%)
- riper, more tropical aromas
Describe the red and rose wines of Vinho Verde.
reds:
- deeply colored
- tannic
roses:
- fresh
- fruity
What is Portuguese for PDO?
Denominação de Origem Protegida (DOP)
-or Denominação de Origem Controlada (DOC)
What is Portuguese for PGI?
Indicação Geográfica Protediga (IGP)
-Vinho Regional (traditional term seen on wine labels)
What are table wines without a GI labelled?
Vinho (wine)
-lots of success with simple, fruity, off fry rose wines in this category
What is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world?
Douro
What dominates wine production in the Douro?
Port
Name the 5 principal grape varieties for port and unfortified wines in the Douro.
- Touriga Nacional* highest quality, most well-known
- Touriga Franca
- Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo)
- Tinta Barroca
- Tinta Cão
Describe the red wines of the Douro.
- deeply colored
- full body
- high level or ripe tannins
- rich black fruit flavors
- subtle toasty aromas from maturation in new oak
Describe the white wines of the Douro.
-fresh varietal character
-medium to high acid
(particularly wines from high altitude)
Where is the Dão located? Describe the climate and geography.
- mountainous area 80 km south of Douro
- gentle hills and slopes
- 200-400 meters
- cold, wet winters
- warm, dry summers
- excellent conditions for high quality grapes
Describe the red wines of Dão.
- delicate red fruit
- soft tannins
- high acidity
- range in style from fresh, fruity, to richer
- Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Jaen (Media), Alfrocheiro
Describe Alfrocheiro wines.
- deep in color
- intense aromas of blackberry and strawberry
Describe the location and climate of Bairrada.
- between Dao and the Atlantic Ocean
- Maritime Climate
- Rainy winters, warm summers
What is the main grape of Bairrada? Describe it. What are other grape varieties?
Baga:
-late-ripening
-small, thick-skinned
-deep color
-high tannins
-can have astringent tannins if picked too early
-when picked later: softer, rich black fruit
-requires gentle crushing and maceration (for softer wines)
Other:
-Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
What are the white grapes of Bairrada
- Bical
- Maria Gomes
Describe Alentejo.
- spread over 8 subregions in southeast Portugal
- warm growing seasons
- cooler, wetter (north): more elegant wines
- hotter, drier (center and south): richer wines
What are the grapes of a typical red blend in Alentejo? Describe these wines.
- Aragones (Tempranillo)
- Trincaderia is drought-tolerant, spicy red berry, high tannins
- Alicante Bouschet is high in color, tannins
- Touriga Nacional
- Syrah
- deep in color
- high yet soft tannins
- full body
- expressive ripe fruit
What are the white grapes used in Alentejo? Describe this wine.
- Arinto
- Antao Vaz
- Roupeiro
- fruity, floral white wine
- medium to high acidity
- some aged in oak
What is Vinho Regional Alentejano?
- largest Vinho Regional region in terms of product
- based around Alentego DOC but covers more extensive area
- winemaking regulation are more liberal
- wider range of varieties
-Lisboa, Península de Setubal, Tejo are other important areas for Vinjo Regional
