Portugal Flashcards
Wset 3
Climate in Portugal
Due to influence of the Atlantic ocean its mostly maritime, however in many of the inland vineyards the climate is hot and continental.
The large difference in annual average temperature party account for the diversity of wine styles found in Portugal.
Climate and associated risks in Vinho Verde DOC.
What are the methods to combat the risk?
Proximity to Atlantic ocean produced region with moderate maritime climate. The main risk associated is the high annual rainfall.
Careful canopy management helps combat the challenge. Spur-pruned VSP is used to create airflow in the humid environment and improves the health and quality of the grapes, also allows mechanisation.
Describe classic Vinho Verde
Pale lemon, high in acid, low in alcohol (8-11.5% ABV). The wines with lower alcohol are usually off-dry in style.
If the grape variety, a sub-regions or an authorised quality labelling term is mentioned on the label, the wine CNA have up to 14% ABV.
Traditionally, these wines have a slight sparkling sensation that enhances their freshness.
The two grapes used for white wines in Vinho Verde
Loureiro and Arinto.
How is Albariño grape called in Portugal that also grown within Vinho Verde DOC?
Alvarinho.
It has slightly higher alcohol (11.5%-14%) and riper, more tropical aromas.
Main black grape of Duoro region?
Touriga Nacional.
It gives low-yields of grapes and produces wines that have intense colour and flavours and high levels of tannin.
Describe a classic Red from Duoro region.
The red wines of Duoro tend to be deeply coloured with high levels of tannin and rich black fruit flavours. The best examples often display subtle toasty aromas from maturation in new oak.
What are the specifications of Dão region?
- Located in the mountainous area 80 kilometres south of Duoro region.
- The vines are planted on the gentler hills and slopes.
- The vineyards lie between 200 and 400 metres above sea level.
- Cold, wet winters and warm,dry summers
- Large diurnal range.
- Excellend conditions for high-quality grapes.
Typical red wine from Dão?
The red wines from Dão often display delicate red fruit aromas, soft tannins and high acidity.
Black grapes of Dão DOC?
- Touriga Nacional
- Tinta Roriz
- Jaen (Mencía in Spain)
- Alfrocheiro
Alfrocheiro makes wines that are
Deep in colour, with intense aromas of blackberry and strawberry.
Dominant black variety in Bairrada region?
Baga.
What are the Baga grape characteristics?
In what region is it most popular?
What vinification methods are best for this variety?
Bairrada DOC.
Baga is a late-ripening variety, with small thick-skinned berries giving wines that are deep in colour with high tannin levels.
If underripe, the wines can have high acidity and astringent tannins but later picking gives wines that are softer and display rich, black fruit flavours.
Gentler crushing and maceration techniques, as well as blending with other black verieties, have also given softer wines.
What grapes are used for typical red blend in DOC Alentejo?
Aragonês (another name for Temparnillo)
Trincadeira (a drought-tolerant grape with spicy red berry flavours and high levels of tannin)
Alicante Bouschet (high in colour and tannins)
The largest Vinho Regional region?
Vinho Regional Alentejano.
