Grapes and wines of Portugal Flashcards
Describe the climate of Portugal and associated features, with effect on wine
Most important influence is the Atlantic Ocean
Much of the country has a Maritime climate
Many inland areas have a hot, dry continental climate, where altitude can help mitigate heat
Diversity of wine styles can be in part traced to the large annual average temperature differences
Describe the climate of DOC Vinho Verde
Moderate maritime climate, high annual rainfall
How does canopy management in DOC Vinho Verde take into account climatic features?
Because the high annual rainfall can encourage excessive growth and disease, careful canopy management is crucial
Modernisation of vineyards: more spur-pruned VSP to create airflow in humid conditions, improves health and quality of grapes and allows mechanisation
Describe a typical DOC Vinho Verde wine
Loureiro and Arinto: pale lemon, high acidity, low alcohol (8%-11.5%abv), usually off-dry. NOTE if a grape variety, sub-region or authorised quality labeling system is on the label, wine can have up to 14% abv. Traditionally the wines can also have a slight sparkling sensation
Vinho Verde Alvarinho: 100% Alvarinho (Albariño): slightly higher alcohol (11.5%-14% abv), riper and more tropical aromas
Black varieties produce deeply coloured reds and roses that are fresh and fruity
What is the PDO term in Portuguese
Denominação de Origem Protegida (DOP)
More traditionally: Denominação de Origem Controlada (DOC)
What is the PGI term in Portuguese
Indicação Geográfica Protegida (IGP), but more traditional term Vinho Regional is still seen on labels.
Vinho Regional wines have more relaxed winemaking regulations, with a wider variety of grapes permitted (including international)
How is a basic table wine without GI labelled? Give an example.
Vinho
Common examples which have had a lot of success are simple, fruity off-dry roses
Which red and white wines are produced by DOC Douro?
Port and unfortified wines: Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cão
Touriga Nacional: highest-quality, low yields of grapes, wines have intense colour and high tannin
Red wines typical deeply coloured and full-bodied, high level of ripe tannins, rich black fruit flavours. Best examples display subtle toasty aromas from maturation in new oak
White wines (particularly at high altitude) show fresh varietal fruit, medium to high acidity
Describe the climate, effect on grapes, and vineyard landscape of Dão
Cold, wet winters. Warm, dry summers, high diurnal range - produces high quality grapes
Mountainous region: vineyards are planted on gentler hills and slopes between 200-400m altitude.
Which red and white wines are produced in Dão?
Red wines: delicate red fruit aromas, soft tannins, high acidity
Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Jaen (Mencía), Alfrocheiro
Alfrocherio = deep colour, intense aromas of blackberry and strawberry
Encruzado = best whites, range in style from light and fresh to richer, barrel-fermented versions
Describe the climate of DOC Bairrada and impact on grape-growing
Maritime climate, rainy winters and warm summers. Rain around harvest can disrupt late-ripening varieties
What is the dominant black grape variety of Bairrada, and describe wine style and techniques
Baga: late-ripening, small thick-skinned berries, gives wines deep in colour with high tannin. If underripe the tannins can be astringent, but later picking gives softer wines with rich, black fruit flavours. Can also use gentler maceration techniques e.g. gentler crushing and blending with other black varieties to give softer wines
List the other grape varieties in Bairrada
Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
Bical, Maria Gomes = white wines
Describe the climate of Alentejo and effect on wine styles
Warm growing season, with small climatic differences among sub-regions
Cooler, wetter north = more elegant wines
Hotter, drier centre and south = richer wines
Describe a typical Alentejo red blend and their varietal characteristics
Aragonês (Tempranillo)
Trincadeira - drought-resistant with spicy red berry flavours and high tannin
Can also use Alicante Bouschet - high colour and tannin
