31. Portugal

Question 1

What are the two main climates seen in Portugal?

Answer 1

• Maritime in areas near to Atlantic Ocean

- Continental in inland vineyards

Question 2

What is the traditional term for PGI wines in Portugal?

Answer 2

Vinho Regional

Question 3

What are the 5 DOC regions of Portugal

Answer 3

• Vinho Verde
• Douro
• Dao
• Bairrada
• Alentejo

Question 4

What is the climate of Vinho Verde region?

Answer 4

Moderate maritime

Question 5

What is the main climatic hazard in Vinho Verde region?

Answer 5

High annual rainfall, which can lead to excessive canopy growth and rot

Question 6

What are the traditional and contemporary training systems used in Vinho Verde region?

Answer 6

• Traditional: Pergola trellising

- Contemporary: Spur-pruned VSP (also allows mechanization)

Question 7

The classic white Vinho Verde wines are made from which grape varieties?

Answer 7

• Lourerio

- Arinto

Question 8

What are the characteristics of white Vinho Verde wines?

Answer 8

• Pale lemon color
• High acidity
• Low in alcohol (8-11.5 %)
• Wines with low alcohol are usually off-dry in style
• Have a slight sparkling sensation

Question 9

What are differences of Vinho Verde Alvarinho?

Answer 9

• Made entirely from Alvarinho
• Have slightly higher alcohol (11.5-14.0 %)
• Riper and more tropical aromas

Question 10

What is the oldest demarcated wine region of the world?

Answer 10

Douro

Question 11

Name 5 varieties used in Douro region to produce Port and unfortified wines

Answer 11

• Touriga Nacional
• Touriga Franca
• Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo)
• Tinto Cao
• Tinto Barocca

Question 12

Tasting notes of a typical Douro red

Answer 12

• Deep color
• High levels of ripe tannins
• Full body
• Rich black fruit flavours
• Subtle toasty aromas in best examples

Question 13

What is the climate of Dao region?

Answer 13

• Continental, cold and wet winters, hot and dry summers

- High diurnal change

Question 14

What are the main grape varieties planted in Dao region?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

What does Alfrocherio add to the wines?

Answer 15

• Deep color

- Intense aromas of blackberry and strawberry

Question 16

The best Dao whites are made from which grape variety?

Answer 16

Encruzado

Question 17

Tasting notes for red Dao

Answer 17

• High acidity
• Soft tannins
• Delicate red fruit aromas

Question 18

The altitudes of vineyards in Dao range between:

Answer 18

200 - 400 m

Question 19

What is the climate of Bairrada?

Answer 19

Maritime with rainy winters and warm summers

Question 20

What is the main black grape variety in Bairrada?

Answer 20

Baga

Question 21

What are the properties of Baga?

Answer 21

• Late ripening
• Thich skinned
• Deep color
• High tannins

Question 22

Which techniques are used to produce softer wines with Baga?

Answer 22

• Gentler crushing and maceration

- Blending with other black varieties

Question 23

Bairrada whites are mainly made from which grape varieties?

Answer 23

• Bical

- Maria Gomes

Question 24

What is the difference between the wines produced in north and south subregions of Alentejo?

Answer 24

• North: Cool and wetter. More elegant wines

- South: Hotter and drier. Richer wines

Question 25

The typical Alentejo red blend is made by which grapes?

Answer 25

• Aragones (Tempranillo)

- Trincadeira

Question 26

What other varieties can be used in Alentejo reds?

Answer 26

• Alicante Bouschet
• Touriga Nacional
• Syrah

Question 27

Alentejo whites are mainly made from which grape varieties?

Answer 27

• Arinto
• Antao Vaz
• Rouperio

Question 28

Alvarinho is grown in the small designated sub-region of …

Answer 28

Monçao e Melgaço

Question 29

Tasting notes for Alentejo reds

Answer 29

• Deep color
• High yet soft tannins
• Full body
• Expressive ripe fruit flavors