Portugal Flashcards
What influence does the Atlantic ocean have?
cool and rainy weather, particularly to the north west
What climate do the more Northerly inland areas have and why?
a continental climate with a warm and drier growing season due to protection of mountains from atlantic ocean
What is the topography in the south?
Rolling hills and plains
What type of soils are found in mountainous regions?
Schist or granite
What type of soils are found further south to the coast? (name 2 types)
- clay soils with high limestone content
-sandy soils
Name 4 regions where schist or granite can be found
Vinho Verde
Douro
Dao
hilly outcrops Alentejo
What type of soils can be found near riverbanks (e.g. Tejo)
Fertile alluvial soils
Which weather hazards is problematic in Portugal? In which regions?
Drought in warmer inland regions such as: Douro,Dao and Alentejo
What kind of extreme weather hazards have happened?
- (hail) storms in Douro
- Wildfires in 2017 in Dao
What are hazards in coastal regions and why?
wet weather, can lead to poor fruit set and later in the season for fungal disease pressure
What type of training system can be found in the Douro? In what types of vineyards are they planted?
Old bush vines, varietally mixed vineyards, = ‘field blends’
In what scenario is irrigation used?
Where lack of water can jeopardise quality, cannot be used for boosting yields
Does Portugal have a high or low amount of organic certified vineyards?
Low, around 2700 ha by 500 growers.
In which regions is it not allowed to use international grape varieties?
Douro, Dao, Vinho Verde
If oak is used, which type of oak?
French oak, sometimes American
Where did de-stemming equipment lead to?
Better tannin management
Fermenting/ageing in what type of vessel has gain its popularity?
in clay vessels, even fermenting wines on skins in clay vessels has its own DOC ‘vinho de talha’ in Alentejo
Is skin contact for white wines practiced? If yes, where
Yes, for premium whites for texture and intensity
How many DOCs does Portugal have?
31
are VR wines from less quality or better? What do they permit
less quality, term voor PGI wines, 14 in total
- permit international varieties (char&cs) and a wider selection of grape varieties
What are the wines labelled as that do not have a PDO or PGI status?
‘vinho’
What is the area of vines planted?
190.000 ha, with a reduction of 85.000 ha over the last 30 years
For how many % does grape growing represent the total national agricultural output?
35% which is the highest of the world
How many hectolitres of unfortified wine does Portugal produce on a yearly basis?
5.5 mhl
What type of traders were dominating the market before the Carnation Revolution?
Co-operatives, over 100 in 1950s&1960s because of preferential rights. Were badly equipped, led to bulk wine
What is the biggest wine company in Portugal?
Sogrape
Why has domestic sale increased?
due to a higher average income and a significant rise in tourism
Which river forms the border with Spain in Vinho Verde?
River Minho
What is the climate of Vinho Verde?
Moderate Maritime, due to Atlantic coast and river valleys that funnel atlantic winds inland
What is the climate of vinho verde to the east?
rise of land, thus poorer soils and climate becomes more continental with drier sub-regions
What kind of grape varieties grow better in the east of Vinho Verde (such as in Baiao, Moncao e Melgaco) and why?
Avesso, which is a later ripening variety.
What style does Alvarinho produce to the east of Vinho Verde?
Fuller bodied and more alcohol
Is the rainfall high or low in Vinho Verde? how many mm per year?
very high! 1500 mm per year, spread out through the year
What can be a problem regarding consistency in Vinho Verde?
vintage variation due to high rainfall
What is the soil in Vinho Verde? What is it capable of doing?
granitic bedrock/topsoil with sandy texture. Good drainage
Is the natural fertility high or low in Vinho Verde? What can be done about it?
Low, fertilisers needed such as manure
What are hazards in Vinho Verde?
Mildew and rot due to high rainfall
What was the traditional training method used in Vinho Verde?
Training vines up in trees to provide better air circulation
What training system is applied now in Vinho Verde and why?
single or double guyot, VSP. Trained high for better air circulation and reduce the chances on rot
What canopy techniques are used in Vinho Verde and why?
summer pruning techniques: removal of lateral shoots and leaf removal and green harvest for vigorous varieties
why? To enhance fruit ripening and air circulation
How much percentage of Vinho Verde production is white?
+/- 80%
What is the most planted white variety in Vinho Verde?
Loureiro
What style does Loureiro produce?
mid-ripening, med (+) acidities. Aromas of: citrus, pear, floral and herbal aromas.
What style does Alvarinho produce?
Aromas of citrus, peach, tropical aromas, med(+) body and med to high acidities.
Where is Pederña grown and what style does it produce?
in Vinho Verde, mid-ripening, more neutral than Loureiro or Alvarinho with subtle citrus,apple and high acidities
Is Avesso early or late ripening? what does it mean for the climate it thrives in?
late ripening, needs warm and dry conditions otherwise it can fail to ripen fully. Thus, grows inland south (Baiao) benefitting from warmer conditions
What style does Avesso produce?
lower in acidity than other Vinho Verde varieties, fuller bodied, citrus and stone fruit.
What style does Trajadura produce?
low in acidity, apple&peach aromas. Usually blended with other varieties that have more acidity
Which black grape is planted in Vinho Verde, what style does it produce?
Vinhao, deeply coloured wines, cherry fruit, high acidities
Describe an inexpensive, high volume white wine from Vinho Verde
-May use fruit sourced from across the region
- Made with protective methods and cool fermentation in SS to preserve aromatics
- Released soon after fermentation
-Carbon dioxide added at bottling to give light spritz.
-style: low alcohol, med(+) to high acidities,apple citrus, peach. Can have small amount of residual sugar, good quality made by co-ops or merchants
Describe the style of a higher priced Vinho Verde
-made by boutique wineries
-No addition of carbon dioxide
-single varietal, single sub-region wines
- ambient yeast might be used, old oak for fermentation or maturation
-Wine can be kept on fine lees to add texture and complexity
-Mid to premium priced of very good quality
If the sub region is mentioned, what is the minimum abv?
9% instead of 8%
Which sub-regions are allowed to put alvarinho on the label as single variety?
Moncao and Melgaco, they have lower max yields and min alc levels of 11.5% abv
What are label regulations in other sub-regions of Vinho Verde?
Alvarinho can be stated on the label together with other varieties in the blend if Alvarinho makes up for more than 30% of the blend
What happens if producers choose to state alvarinho on the label as single varietal?
declassified to Minho VR
Explain the wine business in vinho verde
- A lot of growers with very small land holdings, sell their grapes to co-ops or merchants
-only 400 growers who bottle own wines
-35% of wine exported: Germany, USA, Brazil and France
How many ha under vine does the Douro have?
38000 ha
When was Douro DOC established?
1982
What are the 3 sub-regions of the Douro?
-Douro Superior
-Cima Corgo
-Baixo Corgo
Which mountains are near the Douro and what do they do?
-Serra do Marao, 1415 m at highest
-Shelter from the cooler,damper Atlantic weather
What climate does the Douro have and why?
warm continental due to its more inland location and protection from mountains
- Huge range of microclimates
Which region of the Douro is the wettest and coolest?
Baixo corgo, 900 mm rainfall
Which region of the Douro is the driest?
Douro Superior, 450 mm rainfall, hot and arid (Cima corgo had 700 mm and is warmer than Baixo)
What is the soil type in the Douro? Explain what the soil is capable of doing
-Schist, is low in organic matter and has a stony texture= little water retention
- Due to vertical layers, roots can penetrate deep to find water
Why is it important that vines have access to water in the Douro?
Because hillside vineyards do not have irrigation systems and the climate is dry
Is irrigation allowed in the Douro? Under which circumstances?
-Was not allowed
-Since 2019 IVDP allowed it when hydric stress jeopardises and when the vineyards are located in an area where irrigation is permitted
-When using irrigation, IVDP should be notified
What are the three vineyard lay outs common in Douro?
Solcacos, Patamares, Vinha ao alto
Explain the vineyard lay out ‘Solcacos’
-Traditional method
-Narrow terraces, supported by walls of dry rocks
-6000 vines per ha allowed
-Not suitable for mechanisation
-UNESCO protected, cannot be converted for other use
explain the vineyard lay out ‘Patamares’
-Terraces supported by a steep earth ramp
-Small tractors can be used
-Cheaper and easier to maintain than socalcos
-downside: erosion and growth of weeds
-low planting density: 3000-3500 vines per ha
Explain the vineyard lay out ‘Vinha ao Alto’
-Planted in vertical rows up the slope
-least expensive, easiest to maintain
-higher density (5000 vines per ha)
-above 40% incline, mechanisation cannot be used
-problem: water run off and erosion
What are mainly the 2 leading black grape varieties in a blend in the Douro?
Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca
What style does Touriga Nacional produce in Douro?
-High level of colour and tannins, black fruit flavours, floral notes (violet,rose, orange blossom), retains acidity well, long ageing potential
-mid ripener, thick skin
-excessive vegetative growth -> summer pruning and can suffer from coulure (can lower yields)
What style does Touriga Franca produce in Douro?
-Late ripening: suitable for warmest sites
-tight bunches, thick skin (resistant to fungal diseases)
-Can be vigorous -> summer pruning
- Contributes colour,tannin and acidity to a blend, juicy red and black fruit& floral aromas
What is the most planted black grape variety in Portugal
Aragonez/ tinta roriz (in Douro)
Which black grape variety has gained popularity in the Douro? Why?
-Sousao (Vinhao in Vinho Verde)
-Because its high acidity which brings freshness to a blend even in warmer years
Which white varieties can be found in the Douro?
-Viosinho, Rabigato,Gouveio (godello), Moscatel galego Branco
What is the style of Viosinho in Douro?
-Full bodied, floral notes,stone fruit
-Can lack acidity
What is the French name for Moscatel Galego Branco? Why is this grape variety a good blending partner?
-muscat blanc a petits grains
-to enhance the intensity of the aroma
-Grown on highest altitude to retain acidity
Are Douro wines normally single vineyard or blends?
Blends from a range of sites, can be single vineyard
What is the aim of blending in Douro?
- To achieve ripe but not overripe grapes, this can be achieved by blending from different sites despite of weather differences
Describe the style of Gouveio
-med(+) acidity, citrus and stonefruits
Which aspects can be advantageous in warmer years in the Douro?
-North facing aspects
-high altitude
-Vineyards to west of the region
Which wine styles are allowed in Douro DOC
red, rosé, sparkling
For red wines in Douro, is destemming common or whole bunch fermentation? Why?
-Destemming
-Levels of tannins are already high, thus addition of tannins in stems are not needed
-Producers do not want to risk green, unripe flavours
In what type of fermentation vessels are Douro red’s mainly produced? Are the temperatures relatively low or high?
-Stainless steel
-low (24-28 degrees) to have better control over extraction
What type of fermentation vessel is sometimes used in the Douro and why ?
-Lagares
-easier to control extraction in open lagar than in a closed tank
What happens to wines sold for early consumption in Douro after fermentation?
-Pressed off skins when fermentation is finished
What happens to wines sold for ageing or better quality in Douro after fermentation?
-Post fermentation maceration: for longer ageing and to further extract and soften tannins
What type of vessels where traditionally used in the Douro and which are preferred now? Why?
-Traditionally: large Portuguese oak barrels
-Now: smaller vessels such as barriques (french)
- Why? Larger vessels (400-500l) and less new oak to not overpower fruit flavours in wine
How are inexpensive white wines made in the Douro? what is the style and quality?
-fermentation in SS for temp. control
-bottled soon after fermentation
-light-med intensity, med(+) acidity
-good quality
-Moscatel Galego Branco used in this style to enhance intensity
How are premium white wines made in the Douro? What is the style and quality?
-Grapes from old vines
-Fermented and matured in oak (old&new)
-Greater intensity, more aromas, more body and texture
-very good quality (sometimes outstanding)
Which producers make premium wines in the Douro?
-Port producers who make estate grown ‘quinta’ wines
-Come from select parcels or estates
Which producers make inexpensive Douro wines?
- Growers bring grapes to co-operatives
-Fruit comes from different quintas
Is the price growers receive for grapes for still wines higher or lower than grapes used for port production?
Lower,
How much % by volume of Douro is consumed domestically?
64%
What is the climate of Dao? What influences the climate?
- Mediterranean climate with warm dry summers and mild winters
-Surrounded by mountains, protecting from cool maritime weather conditions from the west and warmer,arid conditions from the east
Is the rainfall high or low in Dao? When does rain tend to fall?
-High! 1600 mm in west and 1100 mm in east
-Falls in autumn and winter
How many ha of vines does Dao have?
20000 ha
Which surroundings in the Dao can give a signature note to the wines?
- Dao area is large compared to area under vine
-Big plantings of pine and eucalyptus forests
Between which elevation are most vineyards planted in Dao? What does this mean for grape growing?
-400-500 metres
-Moderating influence on day time temperatures and cooler nights = higher diurnal range
What is the main soil type of Dao? What features does this soil have
-Granite with a sandy/loamy texture
-Low in organic matter, free draining
-Water stress can be an issue
What are weather hazards that can occur in Dao?
- Wildfires have occured in 2017
-Hail storms during summer
-Frost in low lying areas because cold air from mountains descends and settles on vineyards below
What is the traditional training system used in Dao? What is currently applied?
-Bush vines
- Single/double guyot or cordon trained and VSP trellised
Is vintage variation a problem in Dao?
-Yes, due to sometimes problematic weather conditions
-255000 hl was produced in 2017 whereas 155000 hl in 2018
What are the main black grape varieties planted in Dao?
-Touriga Nacional
-Tinta Roriz
-Jean (mencia)
-Alfrocheiro
What style does Tinta Roriz produce in Dao?
-Ripens early
-Deep colour, med (+) tannins, full body
- as single variety (ageing potential)
or blended to give more structure to the wine
What style does Jean produce in Dao? What is this variety called in Spain?
- Medium acidity, raspberry and blackberry
-as single variety: carbonic maceration, fruity for early consumption
-Mencia in Spain
-can soften a blend and give ripe fruity flavours
What style does Alfrocheiro produce in Dao?
-med tannins&body
- strawberry and blackberry
-single varietal:soft, fruity for early consumption
-used for rosé production
-can soften a blend and give ripe fruity flavours
What style does red wine in Dao have compared to the Douro?
-Less full bodied and intense than Douro
- Dao has fresher flavours and acidity
Which wine making techniques have changed recently in the Dao?
-Traditionally: Astringent, lacking fruit from long skin maceration and long maturation on oak
-Nowadays: Shorter maceration and shorter period on oak, reducing proportion of new oak used
What is usually the quality range for Dao wines?
-good to outstanding
-mid-priced to premium
What is the key white grape variety of Dao? Explain the style and quality
-Encruzado
-good-very good quality, mid-premium priced
-med(+) acidity, can be full bodied, lemon,peach, sometimes floral
What winemaking options are used for Encruzado?
-Can be fermented in SS to retain fruit flavours
-Or fermented/matured in oak vessels (lees stirring also optional for texture) = capability to age, can develop nutty character
How many grape growers does Dao have? do they have small or big vineyard holdings
-30.000 growers
-small vineyard holdings (0.5 ha)
-
What is the leading co-operative in Dao? What quality of wine do they produce?
-Sogrape
-higher quality wines at all price points
Is a lot of Dao wine exported? To which countries?
- no, only between 15-20%
-Canada, Brazil, USA, China
What is the location of Bairrada DOC?
To the west of Dao
What is the climate of Bairrada and why?
-A maritime climate due to proximity to Atlantic ocean
What are the rainfall levels in Bairrada?
-relatively high but lower than Vinho Verde, Douro and Dao
-800-1200 mm
When does rain tend to fall in Bairrada? What are problems that can arise from this?
-During spring and autumn
-can be problematic during harvest for late ripening varieties such as for the local variety Baga
What types of soils can be found to the west of Bairrada and why?
-Alluvial soils due to river estuaries
-Limestone clay slopes (better quality soils)
What types of soils can be found in the warmer south of Bairrada? What grape variety thrives here?
-limestone clay
-Baga
What grape variety is most widely planted in Bairrada?
Baga
Explain the style of Baga in Bairrada
-late ripening & productive -> needs careful site selection & limited yields to ensure full ripeness
High acidity & tannins
-med body
-cherry, cranberry,plum
-can be astringent when young but softer&more complex with bottle ageing
What was the style of Baga in the 20th century?
- high yields
-sold to co-operatives
-wines lacked fruit concentration and unpleasant astringent
Baga is also used for other wine production. Which wine production and why?
-Rosé
- due to fresh acidity
-Mateus Rosé (inexpensive)
What aspect is needed for Baga?
-South facing for good sunlight interception
-Protected from Cool north winds due to pine forest
Why does Baga thrives well on limestone/clay soils?
- the soils have good balance between water retention and drainage
-ensures that vines has enough water to ripen but not too much to become overly vigorous
-Light colour of soils also reflect solar energy back into the canopy, aiding ripeness
Why is Baga not planted on sandy soils?
It’s too dry
What canopy management can be used for Baga? Why?
-Green harvest
-To enhance ripening of the remaining bunches
Most producers in Bairrada destem Baga, why?
-Traditionally fermented with stems but then wines need to be aged for a long time
Using whole bunches or partially whole bunches is regaining its popularity in Bairrada, why?
-Because whole bunch fermentation can give a fresh fruity and vibrant character to the wine
A winemaker’s choice can be to ferment with stems in Bairrada, why would he do this?
-To give more structure to the wine
-Used for wines intended for ageing
Which fermentation vessels are commonly used for red wine production in Bairrada?
-Stainless steel
-open concrete vessels
-lagares
What type of vessels are commonly used for maturation in Bairrada? If oak is used, which type of oak?
-Large barrels (500-650l)
-French oak
or.. large vessels from French, Italian or Austrian oak
What international black grape varieties are allowed in Bairrada? Why are these varieties well suited to this area?
-Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
-due to the maritime climate (similar to Bordeaux)
-due to soils that drain effectively
-Used in blends with baga to soften tannin and bring more body
If a wine is labelled as baga classico, how much % of baga does it have to contain?
Minimum 50%
What is the most planted white grape variety in Portugal?
Maria Gomes
What style does Maria Gomes produces in Bairrada?
-white grape
-early ripening, good in damp conditions in Bairrada
- produces high yields
-citrus and floral aromas
-med(+) acidity when picked early but drop in acidity quickly
Describe Bical
-White grape
-early ripening
-same as Maria Gomes = looses acidity quickly
-peach&tropical fruit
What do Arinto and Cercial add to a blend?
-Acidity
-Citrus&apple flavours
On which type of soils are the grapes grown for white inexpensive white wine production in Bairrada? What are the winemaking options?
- Sandy soils
- fermenting at cool temp in stainless steel
-Bottled soon after fermentation
On which type of soils are the grapes grown for higher priced white wine in Bairrada? What are the winemaking options?
-Clay limestone soils
-Fermentation and maturation for short period on oak
What is ‘Baga friends’
- A small group of producers
-Producing high quality baga
What does Bairrada look like in terms of traders?
-2000 growers
-Co-operatives and merchants
In which area is Vinho de Talha DOC? What type of wine does it produce?
-In Alentejo
-Introduced in 2010
-For wines fermenting on their skins in amphora (talha)
What is the climate of Alentejo?
-Mediterranean
-Hot dry summers, mild winters
-inland parts of region have most extreme temperatures
What is the rainfall in Alentejo?
-low compared to other regions
-500 mm in South
-800 mm in north
-Falling in autumn and winter
Is the rainfall in Alentejo spread out throughout the year?
-No
-long periods of dry weather -> drip irrigation used
What soil types can be found in Alentejo?
-Variety of soil types
-Granite, schist,limestone with clay or sandy texture
The training system used in Alentejo is mainly based on which factor?
-Labour intensive, most sparsely populated area in Portugal
-double cordon with VSP commonly implemented since replacement-cane needs more pruning
How many sub-regions does Alentejo DOC have?
8
What is the name of the coolest sub-region in Alentejo? Where is it located in terms of geography and location
-Portalegre
-In Northern part, less hot and dry
-Vineyards planted on 800 m altitude
-northernly location + altitude = coolest of Alentejo
-Fresher fruit with higher acidity
-very small vineyards, old bush vines with field blends
What are the 3 main black grape varieties in Alentejo?
-Alicante Bouschet
-Tinta Roriz/aragonez
-Trincadeira
-used for blends
What sites are important for aragonez in Alentejo?
- cooler sites because its an early ripener
-time of harvest is important, otherwise overripe
What does Alicante Bouschet contribute to a blend in Alentejo?
- a red fleshed variety
-deep colour
-acidity - tannins
-red&black berry fruit
Why does Trincadeira grow well in Alentejo?
- Because of its dry climate, trincadeira is susceptible to rot
Describe Trincadeira
-High yields, needs to be limited to produce fully ripe grapes
-medium tannins & acidity
-blackberry&spices
Which international black grape variety is most commonly used in Alentejo?
Syrah
Which international black grape variety is increasing in popularity in Alentejo?Why?
-Petit verdot
-contributes colour,tannins and spices to a blend
What is the quality for red wines in Alentejo? what winemaking options are commonly practised?
-inexpensive, fruity, early consumption
or
-super-premium with concentrated fruit flavours, spices from maturation in new oak and enough structure for ageing
-Mouchao=significant producer (LG)
What is the most planted white variety in Alentejo? What style does is produce?
-Roupeiro
-Retains acidity well
-susceptible to rot but not problematic in warm climate as Alentejo
-citrus and stone fruit
-can lose primary fruit quickly when ageing
Why is Arinto (Pederña in vinho verde) used for a blend in Alentejo?
-to add acidity
Describe antao vaz
-white grape variety
-tolerant to drought
-produced in lots of styles:
-early picked fresh style
-later picked fuller bodied (often oaked) with tropical fruits
-used for talha wines with skin contact
-can lack acidities in warmer regions: blended with varieties with higher acidities such as roupeiro and arinto
What are the winemaking options for white wines in Alentejo?
-Fermented in SS for fruity wines for early consumption
- fermented in barrels for more texture and longer ageing
-good to very good in quality (less high than red) inexpensive to mid-priced
Which Portuguese wine region has largest sales?
Alentejo
What is different about Alentejo compared to other regions in terms of holdings and tourism, why?
-Large holdings instead of small
-high sunshine hours,dry summers, relatively flat topography -> cost-effective, high volume, mechanised viticulture
-1995 13500 ha 2019 22000 ha
-Strongly influenced by wine tourism due to proximity to lisbon: cellar doors and promotion of other products such as ham and olive oil
Which mountain splits Lisboa Vr in 2 distinct areas?
-A coastal mountain range
-Serra de Montejunto
What is the total area under vine in Lisboa?
18000 ha
Explain the growing environment of the west side of Lisboa
-Runs along the atlantic coast
-wet weather and strong winds make grape growing more challenging
Why are producers (despite of the weather circumstances) attracted to the sites on the west side of Lisboa?
-Due to the soils
-clay-limestone soils
-lighter bodied, fresher styles of wine
What style of wine is produced on the eastern side of Lisboa and why?
-More fuller bodied and riper wines due to more protection of atlantic ocean
Are international varieties permitted in Lisboa?
Yes
What are the 3 main grape varieties which tend to have the highest potential for quality in Lisboa?
-Aragonez
-Arinto (white)
-Touriga Nacional
What are the 2 well known DOCs in Lisboa? Where are they located?
-Alenquer & Bucelas
-eastern side of coastal mountains
What style of wine does Alenquer DOC produce?
-Full bodied red wines often from touriga nacional and Aragonez
-Sheltered location
-good- very good usually mid-priced
-
What style of wine is Bucelas DOC well known for?
-Arinto (pederña) in vinho verde producing high acid wines
-Small region
-Some in SS and bottled soon after fermentation
or lees contact and/or oak to enhance texture
-good to very good, inexpensive to mid priced
Name another DOC in Lisboa (apart from Bucelas,Alenquer)
-Colares
Where is Colares located? Which styles does it produce?
-Coastal DOC in Lisboa region
-Foggy coastal climate
-sandy soils (phylloxera free)
-ungrafted bush vines
-style: fresh, high acidity red and whites from rare local grapes
How many DOCs are there in Lisboa? Under which GI are most wines sold?
-9
-Mostly inexpensive wines under Lisboa VR (10x more in terms of hl than DOCs)
- most producers sell under VR, due to more flexibility
Who is the main producer of Lisboa DOC/VR wine? what style?
-Casa Santos Lima
-inexpensive to mid-priced brands and labels for retail markets
-Mostly for export
How many ha under vine does Peninsula de Setubal have?
9500 ha
What is the overall climate of Peninsula de Setubal?
-Mediterranean
-Warm dry summers
-Mild wet winters
Where are the mountains found in Setubal? What do they provide
-South
-cooler sites at higher altitude with limestone/clay soils
What soil is common in Setubal?
-Sandy soils and flat plains
-clay&schist further inland
What are the 2 DOCs in Setubal?
-Palmela DOC
-Setubal DOC
Which style of wine does Palmela DOC produces? What grape variety must it be?
-Red wines
-67% castelao
-deep in colour, full bodied, red berry fruit
-often matured in oak: add spice
-concentrated age worthy wines best grown on warm, sandy vineyards on plains
-on limestone slopes: lighter bodied wines suited for early drinking
-international varieties also permitted: syrah& cs on clay/limestone slopes
-whites: arinto, moscatel,
-good-very good, mid-priced
-also sweet fortified wines from moscatel
is Setubal DOC larger or smaller than Palmela? what style does it produce?
-larger
-more flexibility than palmela
-no min. of castelao
-also sweet fortified wines from moscatel
What has been a shift in Tejo DOC in terms of quality and production?
-first: focussed on volume, vineyards on fertile river banks
- EU pull out schemes of vineyards on fertile soils
-Now: more focus on quality and less fertile soils to the north&south
What is the climate of Tejo DOC?
-Mediterranean
-Dry hot summers, mild wet winters
-750 mm rainfall
What soil types are in the North of Tejo? What style of wine does it produce?
-More rainfall
-Clay&limestone with schist soils
-red wines
What style of wines are produced around the river in Tejo? Why?
-inexpensive white wines
-Because of fertile alluvial soils
-Vigour needs to be managed
What style of wines are produced in the South of Tejo? why?
-red and whites on poor sandy soils due to warm and hot climate
In what style are most Tejo wines made?
-fruity style for early consumption
-inexpensive to mid-priced
-acceptable to good
-some higher quality is being produced
