Southern Portugal - Alentejo

Answer 1

‘California of Portugal’; south-east of the country from Ribatejo to Spanish border.

• Loam soils with granite and schist
• Dry continental climate with hot summers (up to 35C) and low rainfall

Answer 2

Reds (60% of production)

1. Trincadeira
   - Prone to rot -> performs better in hot, dry climate
   - Wines are dark, full bodied w aromas of plum w hints of coffee & chocolate, enhanced by oak ageing
2. Arogonez aka Tempranillo
3. Black grape w thick skin that ripens early (temprano: ‘early’)
4. Thrives in chalky soils & moderate climates for better acidity & elegance
5. Little resistance to pest and diseases
6. Wines are med->full bodied, low to med+ acidity, w med tannins and flavours of strawberry, cherry, raspberry & plum. Oak and ageing add flavours of herbs, mushrooms, leather & tobacco

Others: Alfrocheiro Preto, Alicante Bouschet,

Answer 3

Whites (40% of production)

1. Roupeiro
2. • Full bodied whites with flavours of honey when blended w Antao Vaz
3. Antao Vaz
4. • Traditional Alentejo variety
5. • Firm structure & character
6. Arinto
7. • Hi acidity wines with lemon notes
8. • Blended with Roupeiro and Antao to add crispness

Others: Fernao Pires

Answer 4

23,000ha. Traditionally low bush vines but new plantings on trellises to help mechanisation. Yields usually low.

• Experimentation w canopy management; irrigation permitted.

Winemaking

• Temperature control essential esp. for whites.

Production

• 0.8m hl/yr; with production of reds exceeds whites. Enjoying a rapid expansion a la California in the 60-70s.

• Production used to be dominated by 6 large cooperatives but estates have mushroomed. Key producers:

• *o Reguengos de Monsaraz cooperative** – 10m btls
• Largest cooperative in Alentejo and one of the first to shift to more quality wines e.g. Garrafeira dos Sócios
• *o Joao Portugal Ramos** – 1m btls
• Star oenologist initial winery. Key wine Marques de Borba.