Portugal Flashcards

1
Q

What are the primary wine classifications in Portugal?

A

Vinho de Mesa, Vinho Regional, and DOC (Denominação de Origem Controlada).

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2
Q

What is the most widely planted red grape in Portugal?

A

Castelão.

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3
Q

What is the most widely planted white grape in Portugal?

A

Fernão Pires (Maria Gomes).

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4
Q

What is the primary white grape of Vinho Verde DOC?

A

Loureiro, though Alvarinho (Albariño) is significant in the northern subzones.

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5
Q

What structural elements describe Vinho Verde wines?

A

Light-bodied, high-acid, slightly effervescent wines.

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6
Q

What are the major red grapes of the Douro Valley for dry table wines?

A

Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca.

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7
Q

What is the aging requirement for Bairrada DOC reds labeled as ‘Garrafeira’?

A

Minimum 30 months, including 12 months in bottle.

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8
Q

What is the main grape used in dry whites from the Dão DOC?

A

Encruzado.

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9
Q

What is the importance of the Lisboa wine region?

A

One of Portugal’s largest wine regions, producing a range of styles, from light whites to robust reds.

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10
Q

What are the primary grape varieties for white Vinho Verde?

A

Loureiro, Alvarinho, Arinto (Pedernã), Avesso, and Trajadura.

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11
Q

What distinguishes Alvarinho in Vinho Verde wines?

A

Produces fuller-bodied, aromatic wines with peach and citrus notes, especially in Monção e Melgaço.

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12
Q

What are the primary grapes for red Vinho Verde?

A

Vinhão, Amaral, and Borraçal.

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13
Q

What is the typical alcohol range for Vinho Verde wines?

A

9-12.5%.

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14
Q

What is the aging potential of high-quality Alvarinho wines from Vinho Verde?

A

Up to 10 years.

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15
Q

What are the common winemaking techniques for Vinho Verde wines?

A

Early bottling for freshness and sometimes light carbonation through CO2 injection.

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16
Q

What differentiates Monção e Melgaço from other Vinho Verde subregions?

A

Warmer, more inland climate ideal for ripe, structured Alvarinho wines.

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17
Q

What is the role of granitic soils in Vinho Verde?

A

Enhances minerality and acidity in the wines.

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18
Q

What is the significance of the Minho region in Portuguese winemaking?

A

Produces almost all Vinho Verde wines.

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19
Q

What is a notable producer of Alvarinho in Monção e Melgaço?

A

Soalheiro.

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20
Q

What are the primary red grape varieties for Douro table wines?

A

Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cão.

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21
Q

Describe wines made of Touriga Nacional in Douro.

A

Aromatic intensity, dark fruit, and firm tannins.

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22
Q

What is the typical style of Douro reds?

A

Full-bodied with ripe fruit, spice, and structured tannins.

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23
Q

What is the typical style of Douro whites?

A

Minerally, high-acid wines made from grapes like Rabigato, Gouveio, and Viosinho.

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24
Q

What is the elevation range for Douro vineyards?

A

100-800 meters, with higher elevations producing fresher whites.

328-2600ft

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25
Q

What distinguishes dry Douro reds from fortified Port wines?

A

Focus on balance and structure without fortification, often with more oak influence.

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26
Q

What is the role of old vines (vinhas velhas) in Douro wines?

A

Produces low yields and concentrated wines, often blended from mixed plantings.

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27
Q

What is the significance of Quinta do Vale Meão in the Douro?

A

A benchmark estate producing top-tier dry reds.

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28
Q

What is the alcohol range for Douro table wines?

A

12.5-15%.

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29
Q

What is the primary red grape of Dão DOC?

A

Touriga Nacional, often blended with Tinta Roriz and Jaen (Mencía).

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30
Q

What kind of wine is Encruzado in Dão whites?

A

Full-bodied, age-worthy whites with citrus and floral aromas.

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31
Q

What is the typical style of Dão reds?

A

Elegant, medium-bodied wines with fresh acidity and red fruit.

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32
Q

What distinguishes Dão wines from Douro wines?

A

Dão wines are generally lighter and more elegant, with higher acidity.

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33
Q

What is the aging potential of high-quality Dão reds?

A

10-20 years.

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34
Q

What is the significance of Quinta dos Roques in Dão?

A

Known for producing high-quality reds and whites with a focus on indigenous varieties.

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35
Q

What is the elevation range for Dão vineyards?

A

400-800 meters.
1300 - 2600 ft

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36
Q

What is the alcohol minimum for Dão reds?

A

11.5%.

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37
Q

What is the role of Jaen (Mencía) in Dão blends?

A

Adds bright fruit and soft tannins.

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38
Q

What is the primary red grape of Bairrada DOC?

A

Baga.

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39
Q

Describe Baga in Bairrada reds.

A

High tannins, acidity, and dark fruit, often requiring long aging.

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40
Q

What are the primary white grapes of Bairrada?

A

Maria Gomes (Fernão Pires) and Bical.

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41
Q

What is the typical style of sparkling wines from Bairrada?

A

High-acid, traditional method sparkling wines often made from Baga or Maria Gomes.

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42
Q

Who was Luis Pato in Bairrada?

A

A pioneering producer modernizing Baga wines and promoting single-varietal bottlings.

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43
Q

What distinguishes traditional Bairrada reds from modern styles?

A

Traditional styles are tannic and long-lived; modern styles are softer and fruitier.

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44
Q

What is the typical alcohol range for Bairrada reds?

A

12-14%.

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45
Q

What is the aging potential of high-quality Bairrada reds?

A

15-25 years.

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46
Q

What is the primary blending partner for Baga in Bairrada reds?

A

Touriga Nacional.

47
Q

What is the most significant subregion of Lisboa?

A

Bucelas DOC, known for high-acid whites from Arinto.

48
Q

Describe Alentejo reds.

A

Full-bodied, fruit-driven wines made from Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez (Tempranillo), and Trincadeira.

49
Q

What is the primary grape of Colares DOC?

A

Ramisco for reds and Malvasia for whites.

50
Q

What is the primary style of wines from Tejo?

A

Fruit-forward whites and reds, often made from international and native varieties.

51
Q

What is the role of Alicante Bouschet in Alentejo blends?

A

Adds deep color and body.

52
Q

What distinguishes Bucelas DOC whites?

A

Crisp, mineral-driven whites from Arinto.

53
Q

What is the typical alcohol range for Alentejo reds?

A

13-15.5%.

54
Q

What is a notable producer in Alentejo?

A

Herdade do Esporão, known for modern, high-quality wines.

55
Q

What is the significance of the DOC classification in Portugal?

A

Denotes the highest quality wines from a defined geographical area with strict regulations.

56
Q

What is Vinho Regional in Portugal?

A

A regional wine category that allows for more flexibility in grape varieties and winemaking techniques.

57
Q

What is the most widely planted red grape in Portugal?

A

Castelão.

58
Q

What is the most widely planted white grape in Portugal?

A

Fernão Pires (Maria Gomes).

59
Q

What is the typical alcohol range for Portuguese table wines?

A

11–14.5%, depending on the region and style.

60
Q

What is the role of traditional foot-treading (lagar) in Portuguese winemaking?

A

Enhances color and tannin extraction, commonly used for reds in Douro and Dão.

61
Q

What distinguishes Portuguese wines from neighboring Spain?

A

A stronger focus on indigenous grape varieties and traditional winemaking methods.

62
Q

What is the importance of coastal influence on Portuguese vineyards?

A

Provides cooling breezes, which preserve acidity and balance in wines.

63
Q

What is a Garrafeira wine in Portugal?

A

A reserve wine requiring extended aging: reds (30 months, 12 in bottle), whites (12 months, 6 in bottle).

64
Q

What is the role of Touriga Nacional in Douro reds?

A

Adds structure, aromatics, and ageability.

65
Q

What is the primary blending partner for Touriga Nacional in the Douro?

A

Touriga Franca, which contributes finesse and fruitiness.

66
Q

What is the elevation range for Douro vineyards?

A

100–800 meters, with higher altitudes producing fresher whites and lighter reds.

67
Q

What distinguishes Douro Superior wines from other subregions?

A

Hotter and drier, producing powerful and concentrated wines.

68
Q

What is the primary white grape in Douro table wines?

A

Rabigato, often blended with Viosinho and Gouveio.

69
Q

What is the role of schist soils in Douro wines?

A

Retains heat and aids in ripening grapes in the steep terraces.

70
Q

What is the alcohol range for dry Douro reds?

A

12.5–15%.

71
Q

What is a notable producer of Douro table wines?

A

Quinta do Crasto, known for both reds and whites.

72
Q

What is the primary style of Douro whites?

A

High-acid, mineral-driven wines with citrus and floral notes.

73
Q

What is the significance of Quinta Vale D. Maria in Douro?

A

A benchmark estate for producing complex and balanced dry reds.

74
Q

What is the primary red grape of Dão?

A

Touriga Nacional, often blended with Alfrocheiro and Jaen (Mencía).

75
Q

What distinguishes Dão reds from Douro reds?

A

Dão reds are more elegant, with higher acidity and softer tannins.

76
Q

What is the primary white grape of Dão?

A

Encruzado.

77
Q

What is the typical style of Dão whites?

A

Full-bodied, age-worthy wines with citrus, floral, and mineral notes.

78
Q

What is the role of granite soils in Dão wines?

A

Provides freshness and minerality.

79
Q

What is the aging potential of high-quality Dão reds?

A

10–20 years, depending on vintage and producer.

80
Q

What is the significance of Quinta dos Roques in Dão?

A

A leading estate focusing on indigenous varieties and balanced wines.

81
Q

What is the alcohol minimum for Dão reds?

A

11.5%.

82
Q

What is the role of Alfrocheiro in Dão blends?

A

Adds color, fruit, and softness.

83
Q

What distinguishes Dão’s climate from neighboring regions?

A

Cooler, with greater diurnal temperature variation, preserving acidity.

84
Q

What is the primary red grape of Bairrada?

A

Baga.

85
Q

What distinguishes Baga in Bairrada reds?

A

High tannins and acidity, requiring long aging for balance.

86
Q

What is the typical style of sparkling wines from Bairrada?

A

Traditional method, often high-acid and mineral-driven.

87
Q

What is the role of clay-limestone (barro) soils in Bairrada wines?

A

Enhances structure and minerality.

88
Q

What is the significance of Luis Pato in Bairrada?

A

A pioneering producer known for modern, single-varietal Baga wines.

89
Q

What is the primary white grape of Bairrada?

A

Maria Gomes (Fernão Pires).

90
Q

What is the aging potential of high-quality Bairrada reds?

A

15–25 years.

91
Q

What is the typical alcohol level for Bairrada reds?

A

12–14%.

92
Q

What distinguishes modern Bairrada wines from traditional styles?

A

Modern styles are fruitier and softer; traditional styles are tannic and long-lived.

93
Q

What is the primary blending partner for Baga in Bairrada?

A

Touriga Nacional.

94
Q

What is the primary grape of white Vinho Verde?

A

Loureiro, though Alvarinho (Albariño) is prominent in northern subregions.

95
Q

What distinguishes Alvarinho from Loureiro in Vinho Verde wines?

A

Alvarinho is fuller-bodied with stone fruit notes; Loureiro is lighter with floral and citrus aromatics.

96
Q

What is the alcohol range for Vinho Verde wines?

A

9–12.5%.

97
Q

What is the role of granite soils in Vinho Verde?

A

Enhances acidity and minerality.

98
Q

What are the primary red grapes of Vinho Verde?

A

Vinhão, Amaral, and Borraçal.

99
Q

What is the typical style of red Vinho Verde wines?

A

Light-bodied, high-acid, and slightly effervescent.

100
Q

What is the role of carbonation in Vinho Verde wines?

A

Enhances freshness and drinkability.

101
Q

What distinguishes Monção e Melgaço subregion in Vinho Verde?

A

Produces richer, more structured Alvarinho wines due to a warmer climate.

102
Q

What is the aging potential of high-quality Alvarinho wines?

A

Up to 10 years.

103
Q

What is a notable producer in Vinho Verde?

A

Soalheiro, known for its Alvarinho wines.

104
Q

What is the primary red grape of Alentejo?

A

Alicante Bouschet, often blended with Aragonez (Tempranillo) and Trincadeira.

105
Q

What is the primary style of wines from Alentejo?

A

Full-bodied, fruit-forward reds and rich whites.

106
Q

What is the significance of Herdade do Esporão in Alentejo?

A

A leading estate producing modern, high-quality wines.

107
Q

What distinguishes Bucelas DOC in Lisboa?

A

Known for high-acid whites from Arinto.

108
Q

What is the primary grape of Colares DOC?

A

Ramisco for reds, Malvasia for whites.

109
Q

What is the primary style of wines from Tejo?

A

Fresh, fruit-forward reds and whites, often with international varieties.

110
Q

What distinguishes Setúbal wines?

A

Sweet fortified wines from Muscatel (Moscatel de Setúbal).

111
Q

What is the role of sandy soils in Colares DOC?

A

Protects vines from phylloxera, producing unique, age-worthy wines.

112
Q

What is a notable producer in Alentejo?

A

Cortes de Cima, known for blending native and international varieties.

113
Q

What is the typical alcohol range for Alentejo wines?

A

13–15%.