Portugal

Question 1

What is mutage?

Answer 1

The same as beneficio - The practice of arresting fermentation with brandy while sugar is still present in a wine.

Question 2

Where is Port made?

Answer 2

In the Duoro River Valley region of northwestern Portugal. All Port is made in one 70 mile long region on either side of the Duoro River.

Question 3

Describe the geographical layout of the Duoro River Valley.

Geographical landmarks, regions, climate, soil

Answer 3

It is in northwestern Portugal, separated from the Atlantic by Portugal’s Vinho Verde region to the west and Spain to the right. It is centered along the Duoro River, which carves it’s westward path through Portugal creating a deep gorge through rocky land, the steep banks of which are terraced with vineyards.

It is broken up into regions, which increase in size from east to west: the Baixo Corgo in the west, the Cima Corgo, in the middle, and the Duoro Superior in the east.

The climate is continental, with extremely hot summers and cold winters.

The soil is abundantly schist, which is preferred for Port.

Question 4

What are lagares?

Answer 4

Shallow stone or cement troughs where grapes are crushed by foot.

Question 5

Do they make white Port?

Answer 5

Yes - it is inexpensive and not very complex.

Question 6

To what alcohol level is port fortified?

Answer 6

19-22%

Question 7

What is beneficio?

Answer 7

The same as mutage - The practice of arresting fermentation with brandy while sugar is still present in a wine.

Question 8

What is the sweet wine, just south of Lisbon and made from Muscat grapes?

Answer 8

Setubal

Question 9

What is the oldest Port House and when was it founded?

Answer 9

Kopke, 1868.

Question 10

What is tempranillo called in Portugal?

Answer 10

Tinto Roriz

Question 11

Which two Portuguese wine producing regions are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

Answer 11

Duoro Valley and Pico Island

Question 12

Why was the Duoro Wine Company created?

Answer 12

In the early 1700’s, the new and wildly popular Port wine was having trouble meeting demands. This caused many to resort to fraudulent practices, and reduced the quality of Port causing sales to suffer. To protect their economic interests, the Duoro Wine Company was created by the Portuguese govt to prevent fraud and ensure quality.

Question 13

What is the difference between Vinhos ao Roda and Vinhos Canteiro?

Answer 13

In classic Madeira, Vinhos ao Roda were wines that had undergone the torna viagem (round trip) across the Atlantic. Vinhos Canteiro were those that matured on the island.

Question 14

What is Portugal’s equivalent to the French AOP?

Answer 14

DOP

Question 15

What are Garrafeira wines?

Answer 15

Means “private wine cellar”, indicates minimum period of aging in Portuguese wines.

Question 16

What are Garrafeira aging requirements for red, white, and rose wines?

Answer 16

Red:
30mo, 12 in bottle

White/Rose:
12mo, 6 in bottle

Question 17

What is a casta?

Answer 17

Means “grape variety” in Portuguese.

Question 18

What is the most planted white casta in Portugal?

Answer 18

Fernão Pires

Question 19

Where is the Minho river?

Answer 19

In the far north of Portugal, forming its border with Spain.

Question 20

What is the difference between the Minho and Vinho Verde regions?

Answer 20

Geographical boundaries are identical, Minho is IGP and Vinho Verde is DOP

Question 21

What is the climate like in Minho/Vinho Verde?

Answer 21

Cool, rainy, and Atlantic-influenced

Question 22

What are the main white grapes of Vinho Verde?

BONUS: the other recommended grapes?

Answer 22

Alvarinho
Loureiro

Others:
Arinto
Avesso
Azal
Batoca
Trajadura

Question 23

What are the 5 main red grapes of Port (and the rest of the Duoro)

Answer 23

Touriga Nacional
Touriga Franca
Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo)
Tinta Cão
Tinta Barroca

Question 24

The establishment of Portugal as an international powerhouse for wine export in the 17th and 18th centuries was partly due to its trade relations with what nation?

Answer 24

England