Portugal Flashcards
Describe the system of regional classifications in Portugal
Two key classifications:
- IGP (Indicação Geogràfica Protegida) wines: a broader classification that recognises 14 regions in Portugal. If a wine is labeled IGP (or Vinho Regional the traditional term) 85% of grapes must come from the labeled VR from the broad list of varieties permitted by the VR;
- DOC (Denominação de Origem Protegida) wines: DOC offers greater protection by stipulating the allowed varieties, styles, maximum yields, minimum alcohol and minimum ageing requirements (if applicable). There are 31 DOCs in Portugal. All 31 DOCs lay within a VR.
What does the term Garrafeira mean?
The literal translation is ‘private wine cellar’. When IGP or DOC wines are labelled as Garrafeira, the wines have met a specific ageing requirement. They are:
Tinto Garrafeira: the red wine has been aged for at least 30 months with at least 12 months in the bottle;
Branco and Rosado Garrafeira: the white or rosé wine has been aged for at least 12 months with at least 6 months in the bottle.
Describe the key climatic factors of Vinho Verde
Cool and maritime climate. Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean provides another cooling influence
What is the traditional trellising system of Vinho Verde? What is the main benefit of this system?
Enforcado or Pergola trellis. Vines are trained high off the grind and are grown on tree trunks/stakes etc. the added height off the ground provides added airflow, comparing against fungal pressure.
Note as little as 10% of the vines are trained in this system today. Most producers favour the more modern two wire trellis and train the vines to VSP
What river runs across the northern border of Portugal? Why is this river important?
Minho River. Acts as a moderating influence for the northern sector of Vinho Verde. The more moderate temperatures allows Alvarinho to ripen. Varietal bottling a of Alvarinho are a speciality of Monção, a town that sits on the Minho River.
What are the key varieties for Vinho Verde? Describe the characteristics of each variety.
Loureiro - high acid and semi-aromatic variety. Citrus and floral notes. Looks like a lighter Alvarinho without bitterness
Trajadura (Treixadura) - similar profile to Loureiro but it does show more alcohol and palate weight
Avesso - commonly found in the southern parts of Vinho Verde around the Douro River, here Avesso is a significant part of the blend. Avesso is higher in alcohol, lower acidity for Vinho Verde grapes and shows more tropical notes.
Pedernã (Arinto) - Mostly grown in the southern parts of Vinho Verde to the North and East of Lisbon. Arinto is a naturally high-acid variety even when grown in warmer climates. Moderate to high alcohol with notes of citrus and stone fruit. When grown in warm regions it can get oily in texture.
Alvarinho - Mostly grown in the northern reaches of the region, such as Monção where it is bottled as a variety wine. In blends Alvarinho builds on floral/citrus complexity
What are red wines from Vinho Verde produced from?
Vinhão, Espadeiro, Borraçal and Alvarelhão.
Where is Transmontano IGP? What style of wine is made here? What DOP resides within this IGP?
Transmontano IGP lies in the north of Portugal to the east of Vinho Verde and north of the Douro Valley.
The warm and maritime climate of the region allows for rich and full-bodied reds made from Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Bastardo (Trousseau), Touriga Franca and Trincadeira.
Trás-os-Montes DOC lies within Transmontano IGP
What are the mountains that the Douro Rivers runs through b the Douro region?
Marão and Montemuro mountains.
Describe the climatic factors of Transmontano IGP. How do these factors affect the wine produced?
Due to its northerly and more inland location, Transmontano IGP is a warm and continental climate. Mountains in the west of the region reduce moderation from the Atlantic Ocean. Vineyards can sit at high altitudes in the region, acting as a cooling influenced.
Due to the warmth of the region, classic Portuguese red varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinto Roriz, Touriga Francesa and Bastardo ripen easily. As noted above, quality viticulture in the region occurs at higher elevation which adds much needed freshness to the wines.
Describe climatic factors affecting the Douro Valley?
The Marão and Montemuro mountains protect the region from the humid influence of the Atlantic. High elevation acts as a cooling influence. As you move further inland the climate becomes more continental. This is most noticeable in Douro Superiority.
The Douro River acts as a moderating influence on Diernal Range.
What is the preferred soil profile for Port?
Schist
What are the three sub-regions of the Douro Valley?
Baixo Corgo - western area of the Valley, highest density of plantings;
Cima Corgo - middle district, most planted of the subregions.
Douro Superior - driest area of the Valley.
Towards the Spanish border
What are the preferred varieties for red Douro table wines?
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Cäo and Tinta Barroca.
What are the preferred varieties for white Douro table wine?
Malvasia Fina, Viosinho, Rabigato and Gouveio.
What does the term Reserva mean for Duoro wines?
Wines attain a higher minimum abv. For red wines they must aged in one year
For whites and rosado: 11.5% (10.5% for regular wines); and
Reds: 12% (11% for regular wines.)
What does grande Reserva mean for Duoro wines?
The wine satisfy the requirements for Reserva status and have been assessed as exceptional by the IVDP
Describe the climatic influences of Dão DOP
Sheltered by three mountain ranges. Protects from the warm interior winds from the East as well as excessive moisture and cool winds from the west. High altitudes act as a cooling influence.
