Vinhos Regionais

Question 1

Vinho Regionais

Answer 1

Much expansion of category, especially in Alentejo. Allows flexibility of grape varieties. Increasing single estates using this category.

Question 2

VR Minho

Answer 2

Same area as Vinho Verde DOC. Permits Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Merlot and use of Alvarinho throughout region

Question 3

VR Tras-os-Montes

Answer 3

Entire north east. Blends of international varieties with local grapes.

Question 4

VR Ribatejano

Answer 4

Commercial quantities of non indigenous grapes, particularly Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cab Sauv and Syrah

Question 5

VR Beiras

Answer 5

Three provinces; Beira alta (high) Beira Baixa (low) and Beira Litoral (coastal). Diverse region from the Serra da Estrela with high altitude granite soils to coastal plains with highly fertile soils. Declassified Dao or Bairrada DOC wines as well as international varieties.

Question 6

VR Alentejano

Answer 6

Covers the whole Alentejo region. Same grape varieties as Alentejo as well as international grapes. Cab Sav, Merlot and Chardonnay.

Question 7

VR Terras do Sado

Answer 7

Setubal Peninsula and a part of the Atlantic Coast. Wine makers from new world countries prominent here. Large number of varieties grown, success with Castelao and Muscat. Many international varieties planted.

Question 8

Vinhos de Mesa

Answer 8

Internationally successful roses. Made sparkling/ still, sweet or dry to meet the target export market. Mateus and Lancers are the dominant brands.

Question 9

Vinho Regionais

Answer 9

Growing category that represents 22% of Portugal’s production. Allows more flexibility for wine growers. Popular amongst single quintas.

Question 10

VR Alentejano

Answer 10

• # 1 VR with nearly 1⁄2 million hl/yr; exceeds the production of DOC wine in the region.
• Covers the whole Alentejano region; same grape varieties allowed as DOC but also international varieties i.e. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay

Question 11

VR Lisboa

Answer 11

• # 2 largest IGP wine producer w 0.3m hl/yr. Very little DOP wine produced in the area.
• Covers the Estremadura region, from Lisboa along the Atlantic coast to Barraida DOC.
• Wide variety of grapes allowed including Baga, Periquita, Trincadeira and Fernao Pires

Question 12

VR Minho

Answer 12

Covers same area as Vinho Verde DOC but permits Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Merlot. Minor in volume

Question 13

VR Tras-os-Montes

Answer 13

Entire north east; blends of international varieties & local grapes. Relatively small in volume

Question 14

VR Ribatejano

Answer 14

Fourth biggest in volume; commercial quantities of international varieties i.e. Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Question 15

VR Beiras

Answer 15

3 provinces: Alta, Baixa, Litoral. Declassified Dao or Bairrada DOC as well as international varieties.

Question 16

VR Peninsula de Setúbal (ex VR Terras do Sado)

Answer 16

• # 3 largest IGP wine producer in volume; covers Palmela DOC area.
• Large number of varieties grown with Castelao & Muscat and many international varieties.

Question 17

Vinos De Mesa

Answer 17

• Represent nearly a 1/3 or Portugal’s wine production
• Key examples:

1. Mateus
   - Brand created in 1942 by Fernando Guedes (then producer of Vinho Verde) when he produced a sparkling rosé sweetened to appeal to developing US and North-European wine markets
   - Production took place in a winery built close to the Mateus Palace .
2. Lancers
   - Brand created in after WWII by the JM Fonseca winery to tap into the growing N-A and North-European markets. - More popular in the US.