Portugal Flashcards
Which geographical feature creates Portugal’s diverse topography and disconnected internal development?
Its rugged mountains Explanation: The mountainous terrain historically isolated many Portuguese regions from each other and preserved distinct winemaking traditions.
Which ocean current most influences the climate of Western Portugal?
The Atlantic Ocean Explanation: Cold, humid air from the Atlantic shapes the maritime climate of Portugal’s western coast.
What type of soil predominates between Lisbon and Porto, underneath the cold coastal area?
Lime-rich clay/Calcareous clay (in Bairrada DOP) Explanation: This giant vein of calcareous clay, with pockets of deep sand, characterizes the soils of Lisboa and Bairrada.
Which region north of Porto experiences one of the highest rainfall levels in Europe?
Vinho Verde Explanation: The tall mountains to the east create a pronounced rain shadow effect in this granitic area.
In which northern Portuguese region can vineyards exceed 1,000 meters in elevation?
Trás-os-Montes Explanation: The far north interior features rugged granitic mountains with vineyards planted above 1,000 meters.
Which climatic effect historically gave the northern mountain regions of Portugal their most regarded wines?
Large diurnal temperature swings Explanation: Warm days and cool nights encourage balanced ripeness and acidity, yielding top-quality wines.
Which region is characterized by vast savannah-like plains and rich red clay soils south of the Tagus River?
Alentejo Explanation: The expansive plains and fertile red clay define this region’s agricultural diversity.
Which two Atlantic archipelagos of Portugal produce grapes in a highly maritime climate on volcanic soils?
Madeira and the Azores Explanation: Both islands have mild temperatures, high humidity, and volcanic terroir conducive to unique wine styles.
In which year did Portugal formally adopt its current pyramid-like appellation system after joining the EU?
1986 Explanation: EU membership spurred Portugal to implement its nested regional designations.
Which designation sits at the top of Portugal’s quality wine hierarchy?
DOC Explanation: Denominação de Origem Controlada theoretically enforces stricter rules on grape varieties and geographic boundaries.
What is the broader classification below DOC in Portugal that often permits international grapes?
Vinho Regional (VR) Explanation: Equivalent to IGP, VR covers larger areas with more liberal regulations than DOC.
Which category of Portuguese wine cannot display varietal contents or vintage dates on the label?
Vinho de Mesa Explanation: Table wines may only state “Portugal” and cannot indicate other specifics.
How many indigenous grape varieties were identified in the 2017 Catálogo Nacional de Variedades de Videira?
262 Explanation: Despite this diversity, production is dominated by a relatively small set of widely planted grapes.
Which high-quality, varietal white wine from northern Vinho Verde often shows more florality than its Spanish counterpart?
Alvarinho Explanation: In Monção e Melgaço, Alvarinho develops ripe stone fruit and floral notes, distinct from Galician Albariño.
Which white grape originating in Vidigueira is increasingly important in Alentejo for blending and disease resistance?
Antão Vaz Explanation: This old variety retains acidity if picked early and withstands many common vine diseases.
In which Lisboa subzone is Arinto (Pedernã) believed to have originated?
Bucelas Explanation: This late-ripening grape can show intense citrus, stone fruit, and ageworthiness, especially in Bucelas.
Which Bairrada white grape is early-budding and early-ripening, often showing peachy stone-fruit flavors?
Bical Explanation: It contributes a mineral profile to blends and is also produced as a varietal wine.
Which single variety was confirmed by DNA testing to be the same as Cercial in Bairrada and Dão/Douro?
Cerceal Explanation: Despite spelling differences, Cercial and Cerceal are one grape, known for its high acidity and mineral flavors.
Which Dão variety can produce broad-textured, acidic whites with rose and flint notes, often barrel-fermented in a Burgundian style?
Encruzado Explanation: This early- to midripening grape is the backbone of Dão’s most prestigious white wines.
Which widely planted Portuguese white grape is called Maria Gomes in Bairrada?
Fernão Pires Explanation: This early-budding, aromatic variety drops acidity quickly at full ripeness but is popular in blends when picked early.
Which important Douro white grape (also known in Spain) has balanced sugar and moderate acidity, commonly seen in blends?
Gouveio (Godello) Explanation: Though often overshadowed by other varieties, it is an important component in Douro table and fortified whites.
What is the most widely planted white grape in Vinho Verde, known for laurel-like aromas?
Loureiro Explanation: Predominant in Lima Valley, it shows floral, citrus, and mineral notes with bright acidity.
Which white grape in Douro and Dão can produce high sugar and early acidity drop, adding texture and nutty notes in blends?
Malvasia Fina (Boal) Explanation: Also used in Madeira, it brings roundness and complexity to table wines.
Which Douro variety, prized for fortified and table wines, shows citrus, floral, herbal notes, and smoky minerality?
Rabigato Explanation: Its high acidity makes it valuable in Port blends and increasingly in varietal dry wines.
Which widespread interior white grape of Portugal is also called Roupeiro or Códega?
Síria Explanation: This productive variety often shows floral and melon aromas but can have relatively low acidity.
What is Sercial known as on the mainland, where it’s typically blended rather than bottled varietally?
Esgana Cão Explanation: In Madeira (and the Azores as Arinto dos Açores), it’s used for high-acid, dry or fortified wines.
Which dark-fleshed French crossing finds a high-quality role in Alentejo’s ambitious red blends?
Alicante Bouschet Explanation: Introduced in 1855, this tenturier grape adds color and depth, especially in northern Alentejo wines.
What is Portugal’s most planted red grape variety, also known as Tempranillo in Spain?
Aragonez (Tinta Roriz) Explanation: Planted throughout Portugal, it varies in style, often blending acidity and spice notes in hot regions.
Which vigorous, late-ripening Bairrada variety can produce structured, tannic wines with prominent acidity?
Baga Explanation: Traditionally astringent, climate change and better farming now yield full-fruited, ageworthy Baga wines.
Which French-origin variety is planted in northern Portugal for Port and table wines, locally called Bastardo?
Trousseau Explanation: Cultivated in Dão, Douro, and other regions, it yields balanced reds with soft tannins and dark fruit.
Which widely planted southern red grape is adaptable to coast and interior, showing styles from juicy to dark-fruited?
Castelão Explanation: Known for its versatility, it’s frequently blended but is appearing increasingly in varietal wines.
Which red grape, known as Mencía in Spain, produces delicately fruity, Pinot Noir–like wines in Dão?
Jaen Explanation: Portuguese Jaen has distinct clones that yield lighter, red-fruited wines compared to Spanish Mencía.
Which Douro workhorse red grape, often blended for Port, shows red and purple fruit, floral, and herbal notes?
Touriga Franca Explanation: It’s the most planted red grape in Douro, producing balanced sugar and acidity at ripeness.
Which iconic Portuguese red grape, originally from Dão but renowned in Douro, can show bergamot, rose, and graphite?
Touriga Nacional Explanation: This important Port and dry-wine variety has high tannins, elevated acidity, and great aging potential.
Which difficult-to-grow red grape is widely planted in the interior and maintains high acidity, known as Tinta Amarela in Douro?
Trincadeira Explanation: Its aromatic intensity, acidity, and texture make it a staple in many blends.
Which Vinho Verde red grape, called Sousão in Douro, produces deeply colored, high-acid wines?
Vinhão Explanation: Popular with locals in Vinho Verde and used in Port for color and acidity.
Which DOC region covers the same area as Minho VR, producing mostly white blends with some red and rosé?
Vinho Verde Explanation: It is Portugal’s largest DOC, often associated with refreshing, low-alcohol wines.
In which subregion of Vinho Verde does Alvarinho yield higher ripeness and florality than in Spain’s Rías Baixas?
Monção e Melgaço Explanation: Protected by the Minho River and Serra de Arga, it produces a distinct, fuller Alvarinho style.
Which variety dominates in the coastal valleys of Lima, Cávado, and Ave, known for aromatic, citrusy whites?
Loureiro Explanation: These central subregions of Vinho Verde produce floral, mineral-driven Loureiro wines.
Which style of wine, commonly consumed locally, composes most of the red output in Vinho Verde’s mountainous southeast?
Red Vinho Verde made from Vinhão Explanation: These spritzy, high-acid red wines are favored by local drinkers.
What is the minimum alcohol requirement for Minho VR wines?
8.5% Explanation: These broader regional wines allow blends of many varieties and can be still or lightly carbonated.
What style of sparkling production is allowed for Vinho Verde DOC wines?
Traditional or tank method Explanation: Sparkling Vinho Verde must be produced in either the classic or Charmat style.
Which subregion label for Vinho Verde Alvarinho requires a minimum alcohol of 11.5%?
Monção e Melgaço Explanation: This higher requirement protects the more concentrated style of Alvarinho in that subregion.
Which mountainous region in northeastern Portugal sits on schist and granite soils with a hot, dry continental climate?
Trás-os-Montes Explanation: Its vineyards reach over 1,000 meters, with schist appearing at higher elevations than in Douro.
Which large-scale rosé brand, first produced in Trás-os-Montes, became one of Portugal’s international success stories?
Mateus Rosé Explanation: Created by Sogrape, it soared in global popularity, though production later moved to Bairrada.
Which historic Douro subregion receives as little as 300 millimeters of annual rainfall?
Douro Superior Explanation: Arid conditions and intense heat define this heartland of Port production.
How much average annual rainfall does Baixo Corgo receive, making it the wettest part of the Douro Valley?
900 millimeters Explanation: This western zone is cooler and rainier than Cima Corgo or Douro Superior.
What is the name of the system that assigns each Douro vineyard a letter grade (A to I) to regulate Port production?
The beneficio system Explanation: Álvaro Moreira da Fonseca’s 1947 classification ties vineyard quality to allowable Port yield.
Which system limiting Port supply is increasingly scrutinized as Douro shifts toward more dry wine production?
The beneficio Explanation: Reduced fortified demand and illicit trades of beneficio entitlements have spurred calls for reform.
Which year did the Portuguese president endorse an open letter calling for reform of Douro’s beneficio system?
2023 Explanation: On September 5, 2023, key Port producers and the president joined forces to push for change.
At what elevation range do vineyards in Távora-Varosa typically lie?
500-800 meters Explanation: High-altitude, granitic mountainsides define this DOC, known for traditional method sparkling wines.
Which traditional grapes share space with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Távora-Varosa’s sparkling wines?
Malvasia Fina and local red varieties Explanation: Historically, Malvasia Fina anchors sparkling, joined by international grapes.
Which Portuguese wine region, located around 20 kilometers from the Atlantic, is defined by calcareous clay soils called barro?
Bairrada Explanation: These limestone-rich clays and mild maritime climate produce notable red, white, and sparkling wines.
What is the main red grape of Bairrada, known for its tannic structure and high acidity?
Baga Explanation: It thrives in the region’s calcareous clay and has become a flagship for ageworthy Bairrada reds.
Which sparkling-wine method dominates production in Bairrada DOC?
Traditional method Explanation: Bairrada produces over two-thirds of Portugal’s sparkling wines using classic bottle fermentation.
Which viticultural challenge in Bairrada makes high trellising and leaf removal essential for quality fruit?
Severe mildew pressure Explanation: The region’s coastal humidity and September rains require diligent canopy management.
What is the minimum percentage of Baga required for a Bairrada DOC red wine to qualify for the rarely used “Classico” designation?
50% Explanation: This label preserves older regulations for Bairrada reds, though many producers prefer the newer, liberal rules.
Which region east of Bairrada sits in a granite bowl and is sheltered by multiple mountain ranges?
Dão Explanation: Serra da Estrela, Serra do Caramulo, and Serra do Buçaco protect Dão from extremes.
Which white grape, often blended with Malvasia Fina, is prized in Dão for its mineral, textured style?
Encruzado Explanation: Known for its structure and ageworthiness, it is the most sought-after Dão white variety.
Which large, diverse DOC, east of Dão, has subregions of Castelo Rodrigo, Pinhel, and Cova da Beira?
Beira Interior Explanation: With granitic and schist soils, it remains mostly cooperative-driven due to geographic isolation.
Which stretch of land in Portugal, formerly called Estremadura, was renamed in 2008 to avoid confusion with Spain’s Extremadura?
Lisboa Explanation: It extends along the Atlantic coast, marked by cold maritime climates and varied soils.
Which three small historic DOCs near Lisbon have high reputations but suffered from urbanization?
Carcavelos, Colares, and Bucelas Explanation: Their proximity to Lisbon led to shrinking vineyard land despite longstanding quality.
What style of wine is Carcavelos DOC restricted to producing?
Fortified wines Explanation: These Port-style wines require aging in oak and bottle, with very small remaining vineyard area today.
Which westernmost wine region in continental Europe is known for Ramisco grapes grown in deep sand?
Colares Explanation: Vines are planted in trenches down to the clay layer, braving Atlantic winds and salt exposure.
*Tinto:
- In chão de areia: primarily Ramisco
- In chão rijo: primarily Castelão
*Branco: Primarily Malvasia
Which grape dominates the white wines of Colares DOC, requiring at least 80% in blends?
Malvasia (de Colares) Explanation: On sandier sites, Ramisco is used for reds, while Malvasia frames the distinctive whites.
Which Lisbon-adjacent DOC only permits dry still and sparkling wines made mostly from Arinto?
Bucelas Explanation: Historically called “Portuguese Hock,” Bucelas focuses on white wines with high acidity.
Which brandy-only DOC in Lisboa reflects the region’s broad emphasis on different wine products?
Lourinhã Explanation: It is dedicated exclusively to aguardente production.
Which older, rustic rosé style from the Encostas d’Aire subzone of Lisboa is made by blending red and white musts before fermentation finishes?
Medieval de Ourém Explanation: It uses 80% Fernão Pires and 20% Trincadeira to create a structured rosé.
Which wide region east of Lisbon is crossed by Portugal’s most important agricultural river?
Tejo Explanation: Named after the Tejo River, it produces large volumes of wine on fertile floodplains and hillier terroirs.
What is the local name for the fertile floodplains around the Tejo River?
Lezíria Explanation: These highly productive vineyards can yield over 200 hl/ha, though many are now being uprooted.
Which Tejo subregions north of the river feature rockier soils and smaller estates?
Cartaxo, Santarém, and Tomar Explanation: Elevation rises, with limestone, granite, and schist more prominent than in the south.
Which subregion in Tejo is known for deeper, more structured reds, often from Castelão and Trincadeira?
Coruche Explanation: Located southwest, it can be hotter and produce richer wines than lezíria-based vineyards.
What are the two quality classifications covering the Tejo region?
Tejo VR and DoTejo DOC Explanation: They share the same area, but DOC imposes stricter yield, alcohol, and aging rules.
Which large peninsula southeast of Lisbon has two DOCs: Moscatel de Setúbal (fortified) and Palmela (table wines)?
Setúbal Peninsula Explanation: It shares calcareous clay and sandy soils similar to Lisboa but with warmer Mediterranean winds.
Which single variety must compose at least two-thirds of Palmela DOC red wines?
Castelão Explanation: This grape thrives in the peninsula’s sandy soils, producing full-bodied, soft-tannin wines.
What is the name of Setúbal’s red color mutation of Muscat, used to make fortified wines?
Moscatel Roxo Explanation: It produces deeply perfumed Moscatel Roxo de Setúbal, macerated for months on grape must.
Which vast southern region of Portugal covers one-third of the country and includes the DOC Alentejo?
Alentejano VR Explanation: This enormous area extends from the Tagus River down to Algarve.
Which Alentejo subregion features some of Portugal’s largest diurnal temperature shifts and complex soils?
Granja Amareleja DOC Explanation: Its high day-to-night variation and diverse red clay, schist, granite, and marble yield ripe yet balanced wines.
What ancient clay-vessel winemaking tradition is seeing a revival in Alentejo?
Talha(탈라) winemaking Explanation: Amphorae are lined with pes or epoxy, and wines must remain in the vessel until November 11.
“Talha Tale”은 전통을 기리고 홍보하는 특정한 프로젝트
Which Alentejo DOC subregion is located in the far northeast on granitic slopes up to 800 meters?
Portalegre Explanation: Serra de São Mamede moderates the heat, allowing fresher wines with moderate alcohol.
In which Alentejo subregion does the Serra d’Ossa create a plateau of limestone soils near the city of Estremoz?
Borba Explanation: It is historically revered for mineral reds and robust Alicante Bouschet wines.
Which Alentejo subregion has a cooler influence from the Serra d’Ossa, fostering a local cooperative producing most of the area’s wine?
Redondo Explanation: Adega de Redondo, founded in 1956, dominates regional production.
In which subregion is Alentejo’s administrative center, featuring rich red clay soils and the medieval walled city?
Évora Explanation: It’s a gastronomic and cultural hub known for ripe, opulent red wines.
Which large cooperative, CARMIM, includes nearly all growers in Reguengos subregion, producing over 30 million liters annually?
Cooperativa Agrícola de Reguengos de Monsaraz Explanation: It exemplifies the dominance of co-ops in parts of Alentejo.
Which western Alentejo subregion is known for rolling hills of volcanic basalt, more Atlantic influence, and the name meaning “grapevine”?
Vidigueira Explanation: Historically celebrated since Roman times, it fosters white and red wines with freshness.
What traditional winemaking category in Alentejo mandates amphora fermentation with grape skins until at least November 11 (Saint Martin’s Day)?
Vinho de Talha
Explanation: Saint Martin’s Day (November 11) was traditionally the first time these amphora wines were consumed.
In which southernmost region of mainland Portugal are four DOCs (Portimão, Lagoa, Lagos, Tavira) producing mainly soft, herbal reds?
Algarve Explanation: Schist foothills and a strong Mediterranean climate define this historically significant area.
Which vine-training system, known in Portuguese as latada, is common in Madeira’s humid vineyards?
Pergola Explanation: It helps protect against fungal pressure in the wet, mild climate.
Which two regional designations cover dry wines in the Madeira archipelago?
Terras Madeirenses VR and Madeirense DOC Explanation: Madeirense DOC enforces stricter yields and varieties than the broader VR.
Which low stone walls in Pico and Terceira block Atlantic winds, forming complex mazes for vine protection?
Jeirões (jarão), canadas, and currais Explanation: These layered enclosures trap heat and shield vines from salt-laden gales.
- Currais
* 가장 작은 단위의 돌담 구조.
* 개별 포도나무 또는 작은 포도밭을 감싸 바람을 막아줌.
* 주로 Pico 섬의 포도밭에서 사용됨. - Jeirões (Jarão)
* 여러 개의 Currais를 연결하는 더 큰 구조.
* 보통 특정 재배지를 구획하는 역할을 함.
* 열을 가둬서 포도 성숙을 돕는 효과도 있음. - Canadas
* 포도밭 사이를 연결하는 좁고 긴 길로, 돌담이 양쪽을 감싸고 있음.
* 바람을 막아주면서 포도밭을 오가는 경로 역할을 함.
Which Azores variety, known for high acidity, is the same as Sercial in Madeira but thrives under a different name on Pico?
Sercial (Arinto dos Açores) Explanation: High potassium in volcanic soils requires careful winemaking to preserve freshness.
Which three DOs in the Azores require wines to be at least 80% Verdelho, Arinto dos Açores, or Terrantez do Pico?
Pico, Biscoitos, and Graciosa Explanation: They produce still, sparkling, and fortified wines based on these volcanic island grapes.
What does colheita seleccionada signify under Portuguese labeling rules?
An extra 1% alcohol above the appellation minimum Explanation: This term indicates a select harvest with higher potential strength.
What does envelhecido em garrafa refer to for certain Port designations?
Bottle matured Explanation: LBV Port, for instance, may require an additional 3 years aging in bottle.
What do the terms Velho and Muito Velho mean on Portuguese wine labels?
Aged 10-30 years, and aged over 40 years Explanation: These optional mentions indicate extended bottle or cask aging.
What is the minimum aging requirement for a garrafeira tinto in Portugal?
30 months total, with 12 in bottle Explanation: For branco, it is 12 months total with 6 in bottle, all from a single vintage.
What are the three primary climate influences on Portugal’s vineyards?
Atlantic, Continental, and Mediterranean Explanation: Each zone shapes vineyard conditions, from humid coasts to arid interiors.
Which two regions lead Portuguese sparkling wine production, with traditional method wines from local and international grapes?
Bairrada and Távora-Varosa Explanation: Bairrada accounts for the majority, while Távora-Varosa follows.
What is the minimum lees aging for a Portuguese espumante labeled Reserva?
12 months Explanation: This longer contact adds complexity beyond the standard 9 months required for basic espumante.
Which Portuguese light wine (Vinho Leve) can have a maximum of 10% or 10.5% alcohol, depending on VR regulations?
Lisboa VR or Tejo VR Explanation: These categories permit lower-alcohol wines under “Vinho Leve.”
What does the term palhete(파-예트) designate in Portuguese red wine production?
A red made with up to 15% white grapes Explanation: If the share of white grapes exceeds 15%, it must be labeled as palhete (or clarete).
Which tinted (teinturier) grape is commonly used in red Vinho Verde to provide intense color and acidity?
Vinhão Explanation: Also called Sousão in Douro, it yields deep-hued, high-acid wines.
Which mountain range in Alentejo, rising to over 1,000 meters, defines the Portalegre subregion’s cooler microclimate?
Serra de São Mamede Explanation: Higher elevations and granite soils moderate heat, producing fresher wines.
What is the literal meaning of garrafeira in Portuguese?
“Wine cellar” 또는 “Bottle storage” (와인 저장고, 병 보관소)
포르투갈 와인 라벨에서 “Garrafeira”는 특정 숙성 기준을 충족한 고급 와인을 의미함.
* 레드 와인: 최소 30개월 숙성(그중 최소 12개월은 병 숙성).
* 화이트 & 로제 와인: 최소 12개월 숙성(그중 최소 6개월은 병 숙성).
Which cult wine from Alentejo’s city of Évora historically accompanied the voyage that discovered Brazil in 1500?
Pêra-Manca Explanation: This storied name includes red blends of Trincadeira and Aragonez, plus a white version.
Which brand created by J.M. da Fonseca in 1944 targeted the American market with a semi-sweet rosé style?
Lancers Explanation: It and Mateus Rosé became globally popular but damaged Portugal’s early fine-wine image.
By what name is Sercial from Madeira known on the Portuguese mainland?
Esgana Cão Explanation: In Bucelas, this high-acid grape is typically blended rather than bottled alone.
Which Douro table wine from the Symington family is named after the ancient Greek word for “golden”?
Chryseia Explanation: It’s part of the new wave of premium Douro red blends from Port producers.
