Central Portugal - Ribatejo

Answer 1

North-east of Lisboa; known as Portugal’s orchard; either side of the Tejo river

• Broad range of soils with:

• fertile alluvial soils on the river plains
• clay with sandstone & limestone on Tejo’ left bank - sandy & poor soils south of the river

• Maritime influence and cooling morning mists around the Tejo estuary.

Hotter temperatures inland.

Answer 2

Reds

1. Castelao aka Periquita
2. • Versatile vine that thrives in sandy soils but can adapt
3. • Wine with crisp acidity, raspberry fruit and firm tannins
4. Trincadeira
5. • Prone to rot -> performs better in hot, dry climate
6. • Wines are full bodied w aromas of plum, coffee & chocolate - Commonly used for Port; mainly grown in Alentejo

Others: Cab Sauv, Merlot, Syrah

Answer 3

Whites

1. Fernao Pires (40% of all plantings)

• Most planted white grape in Portugal
• Does well in relatively warm climates with large volumes of simple, honeyed, slightly spicy dry whites

Others: Malvasia Fina, Arinto

Answer 4

23,000ha recently restructured

0.5m hl/yr w Falua Vinhos, project of oenologist Joao Portugal Ramos, dominating w 1.5m btls/yr.