Portugal Flashcards
Portugal Location
Southwest in the Iberian Peninsula with the Atlantic Coast to the west being the dominant feature
Portugal Climate
Varied climate that can be divided into three distinct areas. Along the coast to the north, conditions are cool and humid due to the Atlantic, rainfall and lush environment. Moving south along the coast, conditions become warmer and more characteristic of Mediterranean climate. The interior of the country has a decidedly continental climate marked by hot, arid conditions.
Portugal Topography
Rugged, difficult terrain for viticulture inland
Portugal Grape Varieties
Portugal has over 200 indigenous varieties
What does vinho mean?
Wine without geographic indication
What is IGP?
Indicação Geográfica Protegida - Larger regional designations. 85% must be from the stated region. Minimum alcohol is regulated.
What is DOP?
Denominação de Origem Protegida - Primary category for quality wine. Specific wine regions, located inside a larger IGP. Regulates wine style, maximum yields, minimum alcohol, and aging requirements.
What is the largest DOP in Portugal?
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde DOP Location
Northern Portugal on the Atlantic Coast, just south of the Spanish border.
Vinho Verde Climate
Cool, maritime, rainy, and humid. This is a contiguous region of the Spanish Rias Baixas to the north
Vinho Verde Grape Varieties
Loureiro (Most planted white)
Trajadura
Alvarinho (Albariño)
Vinho Verde Vinification
The most characteristic wine from the region is a low-alcohol, white wine with lively acidity and a slight effervescence due- most often- to an injection of carbon dioxide at bottling
What is Douro DOP most known for?
Fortified wine, Port
Douro DOP Location
Northern Portugal along the Douro river (known in Spain as the Duero)
Douro DOP Climate
The climate becomes drier inland from the Atlantic