Portugal - Douro

Question 1

The three sub regions of Douro?

Answer 1

1. Baixo Corgo in the west (next to the Atlantic)
2. Cima Corgo in the middle (warmer and less rainfall
3. Douro Superior in the east (hot and arid)

Question 2

Douro soil types?

Answer 2

Vertical schist bedrock (good for deep roots)

Decomposed schist top soils (free draining)

Question 3

Traditional terraces in Douro are called….?

And what are the planting densities?

Answer 3

1. Socalcos. Terraces supported by walls of dry rock
2. Density of around 6000 vines per ha

(UNESCO heritage listed)

Question 4

Alternative terraces in the Douro are called?

Answer 4

Patamares. Terraces supported by a steep earth ramp. Good for tractors

Question 5

Issues with Patamares? (3)

Answer 5

1. Low density planting (ramps take up space)
2. Erosion
3. Weeds

Question 6

2 types of Patamares?

Answer 6

Wide Patamares. Old style with 2 rows per terrace (uneven ripening)

Narrow Patamares. New style with single row and slight tilt towards slope to encourage water absorption and drainage

Question 7

VSP trellising option for Douro? And what is are the benefits?

Answer 7

Vinha Ao Alto

Cheapest option and higher density than Patamares

Question 8

Touriga Nacional budding/ripening?

Answer 8

Early budding

Mid ripening

Same as Malbec, Cab Franc and Schiava

Question 9

Touriga Franca tasting note? (4)

Answer 9

Medium to high acid
Medium alcohol
Medium body
Floral, red and black fruit characters

Question 10

Why are Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca suited to Douro’s harsh conditions? (3)

Answer 10

They retain acid well in hot climates

Drought resistant

They give ripe black fruit characters and not jammy characters

Question 11

Why is Sousao being planted more in the Douro?

Answer 11

It’s high acid gives freshness to blends even in warmer years

Question 12

Why is blending from different sun regions advantageous in Douro?

Answer 12

Different regions ripen at different points so winemakers can achieve consistency and western or high altitude vineyards can give different structure in hotter years

Question 13

Why are Douro wines fermented at relatively low temperatures? And what are the temperatures?

Answer 13

24-28 degrees as this gives better control over tannin extraction in red grapes that are typically high in tannin

Question 14

Traditional fermentation vessel in Douro?

Answer 14

Lagares. Easier to monitor the level of extraction than a closed tank

Question 15

Preferred maturation option in Douro? (1)

Answer 15

French barriques preferred to Portuguese oak

Question 16

Domestic sales of Douro wine?

Answer 16

63%