Vinhos Regionais

Question 1

Growing Category

1. VR Alentejano
2. VR Lisboa
3. VR Minho
4. VR Tras-os-Montes
5. VR Ribatejano
6. VR Beiras
7. VR Peninsula de Setúbal (ex VR Terras do Sado)

Answer 1

• Growing Category that represents 22% of Portugal’s production. Allows more flexibility for wine growers, Popular amongst single quintas.
• Key VRs:

1. VR Alentejano
   
   1. # 1 VR with nearly 1⁄2 million hl/yr; exceeds the production of DOC wine in the region.
   2. Covers the whole Alentejano region; same grape varieties allowed as DOC but also international varieties i.e. Cabernet
   3. Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay
2. VR Lisboa
   
   1. # 2 largest IGP wine producer w 0.3m hl/yr. Very little DOP wine produced in the area.
   2. Covers the Estremadura region, from Lisboa along the Atlantic coast to Barraida DOC.
   3. Wide variety of grapes allowed including Baga, Periquita, Trincadeira and Fernao Pires
3. VR Minho
   
   1. Covers same area as Vinho Verde DOC but permits Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Merlot. Minor in volume
4. VR Tras-os-Montes
   
   1. Entire north east; blends of international varieties & local grapes. Relatively small in volume
5. VR Ribatejano
   
   1. Fourth biggest in volume; commercial quantities of international varieties i.e. Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
6. VR Beiras
   
   1. 3 provinces: Alta, Baixa, Litoral.
   2. Declassified Dao or Bairrada DOC as well as international varieties.
7. VR Peninsula de Setúbal (ex VR Terras do Sado)
   
   1. # 3 largest IGP wine producer in volume; covers Palmela DOC area.
   2. Large number of varieties grown with Castelao & Muscat and many international varieties.