Portugal - Alentejo

Question 1

What is Vinho de Talha?

Answer 1

A DOC that covers the whole of the Alentejo DOC but only includes wines fermented on skins in Amphora (red and white wines)

A traditional method that is being discovered again

Question 2

Alentejo climate?

Answer 2

Warm Mediterranean

Question 3

Alentejo rainfall?

Answer 3

500-800mm
Low to moderate, higher in the north

Question 4

Soils in Alentejo?

Answer 4

Granite

Shist

Limestone

(All of the Portuguese soil types)

Sand a clay textures

Question 5

Vine training in Alentejo?

Answer 5

VSP double cordon (modern) and good for the flat plains

Question 6

How many sub regions are there in Alentejo?

Answer 6

8

Question 7

Portalegre sub region reputation? (4)

Answer 7

High altitude (800m+)
Northern
Cooler
Fresher styles of wines

Question 8

Main red grapes in Alentejo? (4)

Answer 8

1. Aragonez (temp in Spain, Tinta Roriz)
2. Alicante Bouchet (colour, acid, tannin)
3. Trincadeira (blackberry, spice, med tannin/body
4. Touriga Nacional (acid, tannin)

Often produced as a blend

Question 9

3 main white grapes of Alentejo?

Answer 9

Roupeiro (retains acid in warm climates)
Arinto (retains acid in warm climates)

Antao Vaz (drought resistant)

Question 10

Main grape of Talha wines?

Answer 10

Antao Vaz

Made in a range of styles light to full body and skin contact

Can lack acid so is often blended

Question 11

Alentejo domestic sales?

Answer 11

40% of sales domestic

Export markets to Brazil, Angola and USA important