Portugal Flashcards
Describe the climate of Portugal.
A
The majority of Portugal is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, so much of the country has a Maritime climate.
Going inland, the climate becomes dry, hot and continental which can be mitigated by altitude.
What are the classification levels of Portuguese wine?
In ascending order:
PGI level :
IGP -Indicação Geográfica Protegida, aka Vinho Regional
PDO level:
DOP and DOC are both used in Portugal
Denominação de Origem Protegida and Denominação de Origem Controlada
Table wine without GI are labelled as Vinho
Name the 5 most important DOCs/DOPs of Portugal.
Vinho Verde
Douro
Dão
Bairrada
Alentejo
What makes Protugal special regarding of its Grape varieties ?
wealth of indigenous varieties
can have diffrent names in different regions
Where is Vinho Verde located?
A
Vinho Verde is in the very northwestern corner of Portugal, on the south side of the Minho River across from Galicia.
The Altantic Ocean is on Vinho Verde’s western border.
What is the climate of Vinho Verde?
Vinho Verde’s climate is moderate Maritime due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
The region receives high amounts of rainfall throughout the year.
Due to the high amount of rainfall in Vinho Verde, what threats do the vines face?
Fungal diseases can be rampant if the vines’ canopies are not managed correctly.
What is the classic vineyard trellising system used in Vinho Verde?
The pergola system
In recent years Vinho Verde has started to move into which other trellising system?
Spur-pruned VSP system - this allows for increased air circulation and tractors/mechanization.
What is the classic style of wine of Vinho Verde DOC?
Low alcohol (8 - 11,5 %), crisp, citrusy white wines
Wines with lower alcohol are usually off-dry
What is the typical abv range of Vinho Verde DOC?
8% - 11.5%
But if a grape variety, sub region or labelling term is mentioned, the wine can have up to 14% abv
What are the local white grape varieties of Vinho Verde?
Arinto
Loureiro
Alvarinho
Traditionally, Arinto and Loureiro ha ve a sligt sparkling sensation
Are they black varieties in Vinho Verde DOC ?
Yes, fro the production of deeply coloured and tannic red and fresh and fruity rosé
If a wine label reads Vinho Verde Alvarinho, what % must be Alvarinho?
100%
What is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world?
Douro