When most people think of wine from Portugal, they immediately think of Port. This national pride of Portugal has been capturing the hearts of wine lovers worldwide for centuries. But Portugal has so much more to offer than just port. Portuguese wines are wines you won't want to miss! The oldest wine regions in the world are located in Portugal. Wine has been produced here since the 13th century. However, the quality of the wine wasn't high enough to compete with major wine-producing countries like France, Spain , and Italy. However, Portugal is emerging as a wine-producing nation, and its wines demonstrate superior quality. Portugal innovates like no other. Portuguese winemakers strive to make wine using traditional methods while also focusing on quality. They have a passion for wine. They are increasingly experimenting with new grape varieties and unfamiliar blends. This is paying off in recent years, as Portuguese wines are gaining a growing fan base!

Port from Portugal

Portugal became famous thanks to Port. More than half of Portugal's production can be attributed to Port. This fortified wine has been a hit since the 13th century, when the English began importing Portuguese wines en masse. Port was actually discovered by chance. To preserve the wines from Portugal during the long sea voyage to England, brandy was added. This addition caused the wine to ferment further, resulting in a sweet, fortified wine. An invention we are still grateful for and delighted by today. Port is also much more versatile than people think. We are all familiar with the Ruby and Tawny styles, but what about white Port? Or even rosé Port, which has become increasingly popular in the last ten years.

The ruby ​​and tawny styles are recognizable Port varieties. But don't forget the Colheitas, the late Bottled Vintage, and the Vintage Port. Quality is paramount here. So much craftsmanship goes into every bottle of vintage port, it's almost unbelievable. Only an exceptionally good harvest creates a vintage port. After harvest, vintage ports are aged in oak barrels for a maximum of three years. After this, the port is bottled. A sediment forms in the bottle, allowing the port to age. Vintage ports can live up to 60 years! This sediment allows the port to develop, creating a truly unique glass of port. Highly recommended, a must-do, and well-advised. Enjoy the older vintages, as they are becoming increasingly rare!

Wine from Portugal

But besides port, Portugal also produces wine. Both the red and white wines are now of such high quality that they can compete with the major wine-producing countries. Portuguese winemakers frequently work with indigenous grape varieties, of which Portugal boasts an abundance. Think Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cao, Tinta Barroca, Verdelho, Siria, and Alvarinho. These grape varieties produce phenomenal wines. The most famous wine regions are the Douro Valley and the Dao Valley, situated along the rivers of the same name in the north of the country. Here, the climate is ideal for viticulture, creating wines with a unique identity. Portuguese wines often have a spicy character but are also much more complex than one might think, powerful yet smooth.

Unfamiliar with Portugal as a wine country? Prepare to be surprised and amazed by the quality of contemporary Portuguese wine. Wineries like Terra d'Alter, Altano Douro, Anselmo Mendes, and Quinta do Crasto are making inroads into the European wine landscape. There's increasing experimentation, innovation, and investment in Portugal's wine regions. Portugal is a wine country to remember, and certainly not a flash in the pan. Be amazed by the variety of Port wines and the diverse grape varieties this southern European country has to offer. Uncork and enjoy! Cheers, or as they say in Portugal: Aplausos.