Portugal Flashcards
Historians believe that wine in Portugal was made in the ____ and ____ Valleys as far back as ____BCE, with vines planted by the ____, who originated from what is now Andalusia, Spain
Tagus and Sado Valleys
As far back as 2000 BCE, with vines planted by the Tartessians, who originated from what is now Andalusia, Spain
What was the name of the treaty between England and Portugal signed in 1386?
What was the name of the more recent treaty signed in 1703?
Portugal had an alliance with England for many years - why was this relationship so important?
Treaty of Windsor
The Methuen Treaty
Through several centuries of on-off wars with France, the UK turned to Portugal when France forbade supplies or taxed at punitive rates
Name some key events in the 19th / early 20th century that negatively impacted the Portuguese wine industry
Peninsular war
Portuguese Civil War
French and Spanish wines become more sought after
Phylloxera in 1867
Installation of dictator Salazar in 1932-1972
Explain how Antonio de Oliveira Salazar’s government did little to promote quality wine production in Portugal during his time in power (1932-1972)
Co-ops were given preferential rights
More than 100 co-ops were founded in 50s and 60s
These were badly equipped and run
They produced high volumes of low quality wine
This tarnished Portugal’s reputation
Name the two most successful branded wines produced in Portugal during the 40s
Mateus Rosé
Lancers Rosé
What two events in the second half of the 20th century signalled the start of a new era in Portugal?
The Carnation Revolution (signalling the return to democracy) in the mid 70s
Accession to the EU (1986)
What effect did Portugal’s return to democracy and accession to the EU have on wine production?
- Restrictions on trade and production ceased
- Low interest loans and grants encouraged many winemakers to make and market wines (higher quality)
- Modernisation of infrastructure
- New research programmes and training
- Investment in modern grape growing and winemakeing
- Co-ops were forced to adapt or close
Which ocean strongly influences the weather in Portugal?
What type of weather does it bring?
The Atlantic
Brings cool, rainy weather, particularly to the north west
Describe why some of the inland wine growing regions in the north or Portugal are warmer and drier than those to the west.
Mountain ranges provide shelter
Describe the growing conditions in the south of Portugal
Weather is warmer and drier
The topography is characterised by rolling hills and plains
Where would you expect to find granite and/or schist soils in Portugal?
In mountainous regions such as: Vinho Verde Douro Dao Some hilly outcrops in Alentejo
How many hectares were under vine in Portugal in 2018?
190,000ha
Since Portugal joined the EU in 1986, how have plantings of vines changed?
Lots of high producing vineyards in alluvial soils were grubbed up
Replanting has been focused on higher quality plantings and has been restricted to avoid surpluses
Why has Alentejo seen a particular increase in investment?
It has a warm, sunny, dry climate and flat topography making mechanisation easier
What is the total production of Portuguese wine annually?
560m - 710 million hl
What vine training systems are common in Portugal?
Most vineyards are pruned and trained to either cordon or replacement caned and VSP trellised
A significant number of old bush vines are found in the Douro and certain areas of Alentejo, with smaller numbers also in Dao and Bairrada
When can irrigation be used in Portugal?
In very dry years, producers can notify significant bodies to inform them that they plan to irrigate. It cannot be used to boost yields
Portugal’s admission to the EU led to substantial modernisation in winemaking practices. Explain some of these
Protective winemaking with the use of stainless steel (producing fruity whites)
Destemming equipment (helped tannin management)
Introduction of French oak (to soften tannin)
What is the name of the DOC in Alentejo where wines must be fermented on their skins in clay?
Vinho de Talha DOC
What percentage of Portuguese agricultural output does grape growing represent?
35%
This is the highest in the world
Until the ____ ____ in 1974, Portuguese winemakers had a ready market selling grapes and wine to ____ and ____ producing bulk wine which was then shipped to former African colonies in ____ and ____
Until the Carnation Revolution in 1974, Portuguese winemakers had a ready market selling grapes and wine to negociants and co-ops producing bulk wine which was then shipped to former African colonies in Mozambique and Angola
How much Portuguese wine was exported in 2018?
2.3 million hl
What are Portugal’s largest export markets by value?
France
USA
UK
Brazil
What are Portugal’s largest export markets by volume?
France
Angola
Germany
UK