Portugal Flashcards
What are the primary wine classifications in Portugal?
Vinho de Mesa, Vinho Regional, and DOC (Denominação de Origem Controlada).
What is the most widely planted red grape in Portugal?
Castelão.
What is the most widely planted white grape in Portugal?
Fernão Pires (Maria Gomes).
What is the primary white grape of Vinho Verde DOC?
Loureiro, though Alvarinho (Albariño) is significant in the northern subzones.
What structural elements describe Vinho Verde wines?
Light-bodied, high-acid, slightly effervescent wines.
What are the major red grapes of the Douro Valley for dry table wines?
Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca.
What is the aging requirement for Bairrada DOC reds labeled as ‘Garrafeira’?
Minimum 30 months, including 12 months in bottle.
What is the main grape used in dry whites from the Dão DOC?
Encruzado.
What is the importance of the Lisboa wine region?
One of Portugal’s largest wine regions, producing a range of styles, from light whites to robust reds.
What are the primary grape varieties for white Vinho Verde?
Loureiro, Alvarinho, Arinto (Pedernã), Avesso, and Trajadura.
What distinguishes Alvarinho in Vinho Verde wines?
Produces fuller-bodied, aromatic wines with peach and citrus notes, especially in Monção e Melgaço.
What are the primary grapes for red Vinho Verde?
Vinhão, Amaral, and Borraçal.
What is the typical alcohol range for Vinho Verde wines?
9-12.5%.
What is the aging potential of high-quality Alvarinho wines from Vinho Verde?
Up to 10 years.
What are the common winemaking techniques for Vinho Verde wines?
Early bottling for freshness and sometimes light carbonation through CO2 injection.
What differentiates Monção e Melgaço from other Vinho Verde subregions?
Warmer, more inland climate ideal for ripe, structured Alvarinho wines.
What is the role of granitic soils in Vinho Verde?
Enhances minerality and acidity in the wines.
What is the significance of the Minho region in Portuguese winemaking?
Produces almost all Vinho Verde wines.
What is a notable producer of Alvarinho in Monção e Melgaço?
Soalheiro.
What are the primary red grape varieties for Douro table wines?
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cão.
Describe wines made of Touriga Nacional in Douro.
Aromatic intensity, dark fruit, and firm tannins.
What is the typical style of Douro reds?
Full-bodied with ripe fruit, spice, and structured tannins.
What is the typical style of Douro whites?
Minerally, high-acid wines made from grapes like Rabigato, Gouveio, and Viosinho.
What is the elevation range for Douro vineyards?
100-800 meters, with higher elevations producing fresher whites.
328-2600ft
What distinguishes dry Douro reds from fortified Port wines?
Focus on balance and structure without fortification, often with more oak influence.
What is the role of old vines (vinhas velhas) in Douro wines?
Produces low yields and concentrated wines, often blended from mixed plantings.
What is the significance of Quinta do Vale Meão in the Douro?
A benchmark estate producing top-tier dry reds.
What is the alcohol range for Douro table wines?
12.5-15%.
What is the primary red grape of Dão DOC?
Touriga Nacional, often blended with Tinta Roriz and Jaen (Mencía).
What kind of wine is Encruzado in Dão whites?
Full-bodied, age-worthy whites with citrus and floral aromas.
What is the typical style of Dão reds?
Elegant, medium-bodied wines with fresh acidity and red fruit.
What distinguishes Dão wines from Douro wines?
Dão wines are generally lighter and more elegant, with higher acidity.
What is the aging potential of high-quality Dão reds?
10-20 years.
What is the significance of Quinta dos Roques in Dão?
Known for producing high-quality reds and whites with a focus on indigenous varieties.
What is the elevation range for Dão vineyards?
400-800 meters.
1300 - 2600 ft
What is the alcohol minimum for Dão reds?
11.5%.
What is the role of Jaen (Mencía) in Dão blends?
Adds bright fruit and soft tannins.
What is the primary red grape of Bairrada DOC?
Baga.
Describe Baga in Bairrada reds.
High tannins, acidity, and dark fruit, often requiring long aging.
What are the primary white grapes of Bairrada?
Maria Gomes (Fernão Pires) and Bical.
What is the typical style of sparkling wines from Bairrada?
High-acid, traditional method sparkling wines often made from Baga or Maria Gomes.
Who was Luis Pato in Bairrada?
A pioneering producer modernizing Baga wines and promoting single-varietal bottlings.
What distinguishes traditional Bairrada reds from modern styles?
Traditional styles are tannic and long-lived; modern styles are softer and fruitier.
What is the typical alcohol range for Bairrada reds?
12-14%.
What is the aging potential of high-quality Bairrada reds?
15-25 years.