Wine Consumption - Grape Varieties
White Grape Varieties
Alvarinho
Features
The grape variety, Alvarinho is one of the most notable white grape varieties in Portugal. It is an ancient grape variety, and a low level of production, which is mainly planted in the area of Monção and Melgaço (the region of vinho verde). You can buy two different ways, as: small bunch, not very compact and small and golden berries or medium bunch and larger berries that remain greenish when ripe. This grape is responsible for the success of the first wines in “varieties” (one variety), as it is in Portugal's wine of the same batch (a mixture of several grape varieties) are the most common. The Alvarinho variety produces wines are very aromatic, and they reached grades-alcoholic beverages high in-keeping with the acidity very well balanced diet.
Antão Vaz
Features
The Antão Vaz grape variety is one of the most important grape varieties in the region of the Alentejo. From Gaia, on the southern alentejo region, is highly resistant to drought and diseases. It features clusters of medium-sized berries are small and smooth, are of a yellowish green color and that at the end of the maturation process will now be yellow in color. The wines produced from this grape is quite aromatic (dominated by the aromas of the tropical fruits), and generally have a citrine colour.
Arinto (or Perdenã)
Features
The White grape variety is very versatile; therefore it is grown in almost all regions. In the region of vinho verde is a well-known, for Pedernã. However, it is in the region, except that in this variety gained notoriety, and was considered the caste of the “queen” of the region. The cluster of White grape variety that is wide, it is compact and composed of the berries are small to medium in yellow. This variety is most often used in the production of wines of a lot more than just a variety), and in the case of sparkling wine. In the Bucelas region, it produces monovarietal wines (a single variety) with hight acidity, citrus color and markedly floral and fruity (when young).
Avesso
Features
With the variety inside out has been cultivated in the region of vinho verde, but the crop is concentrated close to the Douro region, in the sub-regions of Baião, Resende, and Cinfães. There you will find all the favorable conditions for the development, of a time that you prefer the soil to dry and less fertile than those which are usually found in other parts of the region of vinho verde Wines. The grapes for the grape Wrong side of the medium, and its berries are large, green and yellow. This variety originates from the wines of the aromatic, very tasty, and harmonious. The quality of the grape inside out is truly valued, where the conditions for ripening allow you to make wines with a minimum of 11 percent alcohol.
Azal
Features
A variety Azal Branco is a kind of quality is grown in the region of vinho verde, especially in the sub-region in Penafiel, Amarante, Portugal, and Facilities. At the beginning of the twentieth century, it was the main grape variety to produce white wines from this region. The grapes of Azal Branco are medium in size and consisting of berries, the large of the compact layout. This is a grape variety that is very productive of late maturity, and its berries have a greenish color at the end of the season. The wines, which have a variety Azal Branco, in its composition, present a fruity scent a little intense. The wines are fairly treated with acid, so that there are few varieties of Azal Branco.
Bical (or Borrado das Moscas)
Features
A variety Bical is most likely to be in the region of the Edges, in Bairrada and Dão, (where it is called “Blurred of the Flies” because of the tiny brown spots that appear on the berries are ripe). At the time of the era of the technological revolution on the Commission, in the ' 80s, it was possible to know all the features of caste, Bical. Thus, the pair of caste, Marie Gomez, the Bical is one of the most important grape varieties in the region. This variety is early maturing, so your berries will retain plenty of acidity. It is very resistant to rot, however, is particularly sensitive to powdery mildew (pm).
The wines produced from this grape are quite aromatic, fresh, and well-designed. The Commission of the variety Bical is widely used in the production of sparkling wine.
Cercial (or Esgana Cão)
Features
A variety Cercial, is grown in the different wine-growing regions. In the world to adopt to different words and have features that are a little bit different. They are well-known in the Cercial of the river Douro and Dao, the Cercial of the Commission, and Cercial of the Wood, also known as the Distemper Dog in the River. The main features of the variety of Cercial, are high-production-and with good acidity. This variety produced the famous port wine Cercial Madeira, a wine that is dry that after the age, acquire outstanding features. The mono-varietal wines of this variety are usually a little unbalanced, so it is customary to mix Cercial with other varieties such as Bical, Fernão Pires or Malvasia Fina. In these wines, the feature inherited from the Cercial is the high acidity and delicate aromas.
Encruzado
Features
The cultivation of the grape Encruzado is almost unique in Dão, but they are probably the best white grape variety planted in the region. It is used in the production of the majority of wines by wines from the batch or from the wine varieties.
A variety Encruzado, has a good yield and is very well-balanced in sugar and acidity. On the other hand, is very sensitive to rottenness, and the adverse weather conditions (rain and wind). The wines composed of this kind are very aromatic, and taste significantly. Have a longevity out of the ordinary, since it can be stored in the bottle for years to come.
Fernão Pires (or Maria Gomes)
Features
Fernão Pires is one of the white varieties that are the most planted in Portugal. It is the most widely grown in parts of central and south America, especially in the Commission (where it is known as Maria Gomes), Estremadura, Ribatejo and Setúbal. The Variety Fernão Pires has a maturity very early, that is why it is one of the first Portuguese grape varieties to be harvested. In addition to this, being very sensitive to frost, thrives best in a fertile soil and temperate, or warm. This variety has a good alcohol content and a low or medium acidity, which is why the wine is produced, or blended with a variety which has the intense floral aromas.
Fonte Cal
Features
A variety Source of Lime is native to the Inner circle, essentially, where it is planted, particularly in Pinhel. It is a kind of good yield, and easy to adapt to any weather conditions. It features clusters of medium sized, and very compact, berries, green, yellow. The wines produced from the grape dominate the aromas are floral and fruity, good acidity, and a pleasant-tasting, well-thought-out. However, the variety Source of Lime is used as a kind of plot, especially with the White grape variety.
Gouveio
Features
A variety Gouveio has been cultivated in the region of the Douro valley, where it is also known as Verdelho, that is why it is often confused with the grape Verdelho grown on Madeira and the Azores. This is a grape variety with good growth and good production. It features clusters of medium sized, and compact cars, which produce grapes in a small, one green-yellow. The wines are produced with Gouveio have a perfect balance of acidity and sugar, and are characterized by a high degree, quality, and intense aromas. In addition to this, these are wines that offer excellent conditions for the ageing in the bottle.
Loureiro
Features
The Loureiro grape variety found in most of the region of vinho verde, but it is a native of the valley of the river Lima. This is a grape variety that is very productive and fruitful, but it has only recently been considered for a variety of noble. The bunch are large, and very compact, while the berries are medium in size and in the color of yellow-green. The Loureiro grape variety produces wines of high acidity and floral aromas and a fruity, very effective. Despite producing wines of “varieties” (just a single grape variety) is often used in the wines of the lot (mixed varieties), where it is often blended with grapes Trajadura and Arinto.
Malvasia Fina
(or Assario Branco, Boal Branco, Arinto Galego, Boal)
Features
The Malvasia Fina is mainly planted in the interior of the north of Portugal, in the Douro wine region and sub-region of Távora-Varosa. However, it is also grown in the district of Portalegre (which is called Arinto Galego), Dão (where it is known as Assario Branco, and in Madeira (where it gets the name Boal).
It's a variety that does not tolerate extreme temperatures, so it is necessary to develop the ideal time to carry out the harvest of the grapes to avoid damage to the berries. This is a particularly sensitive issue to fruition, and in the number of diseases and pests in the vineyards, such as powdery mildew and blossom drop. The Malasia Fina produces wines with a mild acidity and aromas, and flavors of the delicate and somewhat complicated.
This variety is in the production of regular and recognized by the bunches and berries in medium size.
Moscatel
(or Moscatel Galego, Moscatel de Setúbal)
Features
The grape variety Moscatel is native in the Middle East and has been introduced into the lands of the national at the time of the Roman Empire. Had a lot of transformations over the centuries, and today, there are three varieties of the grape variety Moscatel in Portugal. A variety of Moscatel from Setúbal is the most planted in Portugal, and its production is concentrated in the Peninsula of Setúbal, in whose mild climate which allows for the optimum ripeness of berries. To this variety is an essential element in the development of the wine “Moscatel de Setúbal”, but it is also used to enhance aromatic any other white wine of the region, since it is a variety of primary name on the taste and aroma of the wine. In the region of the Douro valley in Favaios, and Alijó, it is necessary to cultivate a variety of white Moscatel Galego, used in the production of wine.
Rabo de ovelha
(or Rabigato)
Features
The grape Rabo de ovelha, it is grown in the Douro region, particularly in Douro valley. It is planted in smaller quantities in the region of vinho verde in the name of Rabigato and in the wine-growing areas in the southern part of the country (Estremadura, Ribatejo and Alentejo, where it is the most widespread. The grape Rabo de Ovelha, has clusters of the average and the berries are small in yellow and green. This is a grape variety that is very sensitive to powdery mildew and downy mildew. The wine produced from this grape is used to produce the wines in the lot. The main qualities of the grape Rabo de Ovelha in the wines are the high alcohol content, a good long life, and high acidity. The wines, which include a variety of its composition, present aromas of discrete, and with notes of floral, plants, and even minerals.
Síria
(or Côdega, Roupeiro, Alvadurão, Crato Branco)
Features
A variety Terrantez is a native of the Dão, where it is known as the Folgasão. It is also grown in the Azores, more particularly in Pico and Biscoitos and in Madeira, where it is a noble variety to the production of generous wine. The Terrantez grape variety is rare, and currently, it is found to be almost extinct. One of the reasons for the extinction is a trend that's Terrantez must decay (often not able to cope up to the time of the grape harvest). The grapes of Terrantez are a small, compact, and made for the berries, the color is yellow-green. The wines produced from the Terrantez are very aromatic, full-bodied and persistent taste.
Terrantez
(or Folgasão)
Features
A variety Terrantez is a native of the dao, where it is known as the Folgasão. It is also grown in the Azores, and in particular in the area of the Peak, and the Biscuits and it into the Wood, where it is considered to be a chaste, noble, to the production of port wine. The Terrantez grape variety, rare, and this time, it is found to be almost extinct. One of the reasons for the termination is a trend that's Terrantez has to decay (often not able to cope up to the time of the grape harvest). The grapes of Terrantez is a small, compact, and made for the berries are small, the color is yellow-green. The wines produced from the Terrantez is very aromatic, full-bodied and persistent taste.
Trajadura
Features
The variety Trajadura is originated from the region of vinho verde, especially in the sub-region of Monção, despite having some extent, in Galicia (Spain). It quickly was carried to the other sub-regions and has been cultivated in almost every region of vinho verde Wines. The alvarinho Trajadura has a very good production. Her locks are a very compact and mid-size, consisting of berries, green-yellow, of large size. The wines produced from the grape Trajadura have aromas a little intense, and they are usually a little bit out of balance. It is common for posting a variety Trajadura the Loureiro grape variety, or, at times, with the Alvarinho (the grape varieties of the region, and are more aromatic), to give a greater degree of strength and balance to the wines.
Verdelho
(or Gouveio)
Features
The grape Verdelho was famous for being one of the grape varieties that are used in the production of the fortified wine of Madeira. From the time of the phylloxera, the crop declined in the island, however, it is still used in the production of table wines, and generous. The grape Verdelho is also grown in the Azores. Lately, the grape Verdelho has been used in the production of wine in Australia. The wines produced with the Verdelho wine are very aromatic and balanced. The Madeira wines produced from the grape Verdelho are kind of dry and with delicate aromas. The grape Verdelho has small bunches and compacts, consisting of small berries in a yellowish green colour.
Viosinho
Features
A variety Viosinho, is only cultivated in the regions of Douro and Trás-os-Montes, where it is used since the XIX century. It’s a variety with good quality, and is suitable to produce still wine, and the Porto wine, however, presents a weak production and for this reason are little cultivated. Viosinho presents small bunches and berries, early maturing and very susceptible to decay. This variety grows best in a soil somewhat dry. The variety produces wines that are well structured, fresh and complex floral scents. Usually they are also alcoholics, and to be able to stay on the bottle for a few years now.
The Grape Varieties Red
Alfrocheiro
(or Alfrocheiro Tinto)
Features
It is in the region of Dão that the variety Alfrocheiro is more significant. Present at many of the fine wines of the region, it is an offshoot of the high-quality for many winemakers. The cultivation of this variety, also known as Alfrocheiro Preto, in the Douro River, has been extended successfully to the regions of Alentejo and Ribatejo, and in the Palmela area. A variety Alfrocheiro is very fertile, and hence the need to keep track of their production, so that the berries do not lose their qualities, such as color. It is also important to keep an eye on the grapes of this variety, as it shows an early maturing, and it is very susceptible to illnesses, particularly the decay. This grape produces a wine color, very bright and with a scent that recalls the flowers of wild plants, berries, ripe, and sweet spices.
Aragonez
(or Tinta Roriz, Aragonês)
Features
The Aragonez is one of the varieties most well-known of the Iberian Peninsula. Originally from Spain, where it takes the name “Tempranillo”, which is also known as Tinta Roriz, in the region of the Douro valley. This is a grape variety which is suitable to different climates and soils, so that the crop is grown and extended to all the regions of the Dão, Ribatejo and Estremadura. The characteristics of the grape variety Aragonez to be excellent, the production needs to be controlled. The optimal conditions are grown in the sandy soil and the clay-limestone on the weather is hot and dry, so that the production will be lower, and the berries are most concentrated. This variety leads to wines of higher alcohol content, low acidity, and is shown to be old, and is very resistant to oxidation.
Baga
Features
The variety Baga is a red wine grape that is predominant in the Bairrada, and is also cultivated no Dão, Estramadura and in some parts of the Ribatejo. It is a kind of high production, with clusters of berries small and late maturity. In the clay soil, and with a good exposure to the sun, the Baga variety can mature properly and produce wines that are very dark, concentrated, flavor, and you can age in the bottle for years to come. In a fertile soil, the ripening of the grape it's made more difficult by the increased production of clusters, and the wines it produces are little in alcohol and a lot of acids.
Borraçal
(or Esfarrapa, Bogalhal)
Features
A variety Borraçal is a red grape variety most cultivated in the region of vinho verde. It is planted in much of the region, where it is also known as the Esfarrapa, or Bogalhal, among other names. The grapes of this variety are small and tapered shape. The berries are of medium size, non-uniform, and the color is black and blue. The wines produced from the grape Borracal feature a deep red color, and with a high level of acidity.
Castelão
(or João de Santarém, Castelão Francês, Periquita)
Features
Castelão is one of the grape varieties cultivated in the southern part of the country, especially in the Peninsula of Setúbal. Over the time it has had several names: João de Santarém, Castelão Francês, and the commonly published Periquita. The Castellan grows best in warm climates and sandy soils, - and-dried, for when it is planted in the soil moist and fertile soil produces wines that are of poor quality. The wines produced by Castelão are concentrated aromatic (raspberry and blackcurrant) and are in good condition for the age. In the region of the Setúbal Peninsula, produces the best wines from this grape variety.
Espadeiro
(or Espadão, Espadal)
Features
The grape Espadeiro has been cultivated in the region of vinho verde, and it produces a wine that is highly prized in the region. It can take all other names according to the place where it is produced: Espadão, Espadal, among other names. This variety is very productive, and has clusters of large, compact, consisting of berries, middle, and uniforms. The wines produced from this grape variety are acidulous, and the color is pink clear or very open ruby red (when submitted to the process of prolonged tanning). Some of the wineries produce wine, rosé wine, from the grape Espadeiro.
Jaen
Features
The variety Jaen it's grown in the lands of the Portuguese in the second half of the century, XIX. This variety is very common, and it is thought to have been brought to the region by the pilgrims who pass through the Caminho de Santiago. Jaen as well as producing generously, it's also a kind of early maturing. It is very sensitive to powdery mildew, and rottenness. The wines produced from the grape Jaen are mainly characterized by intense color, low acidity, and intense aromas of red fruits.
Moreto
Features
The variety Moreto is characteristic of Alentejo region, its widely grown in the areas of Reguengos, Round, Granja-Amareleja. It is believed to have been carried out in the region, around XIX century, when it saw a lot of development in the vitivultura in Alentejo, Portugal. This variety has bunches of small size and berrys of middle size and rounded It is a variety Grape very productive, and late maturity. The wines produced from the grape Moreto are often very full-bodied, and show a little color, and this is why it is used in the wines of the lot. Normally, it is packed with all the varieties Trincadeira, Aragonez, and Tinta Caída.
Tinta Caída
Features
The grape variety Tinta Caiada is used in several wine regions in Portugal and have a lower quality in wine-growing and winemaking. That’s why there isn’t a bet on new strains. Tinta Caída has bunches and berries in medium in size. It is also very sensitive to rot, and it needs hot weather to think properly. It's in the Alentejo region, the grape variety Tinta Caida has been producing more interesting wines because of the hot weather and long hours of sunshine, which is conducive to the proper ripening of the berries. These wines have an intense color, balanced acidity and a pleasant aroma of ripe fruit, and vegetables.
Tinta Negra
(or Negra Mole)
Features
A variety of Tinta Negra, or just Negra Mole, is a variety that is most widely planted in the island of Madeira. It is also cultivated in Algarve, and while it doesn't reach all the qualities of the one who is cultivated in Madeira, due to the adverse weather conditions. The grapes of the Tinta Negra Mole, ranging from medium-sized and wide, and are made with not uniform grain-staining (ranging from dark blue to pink). This grape produces a wine that is red, very sweet, and it has been widely used to produce the wine in the Wood. However, the producers concluded that, regardless of the quality of the grape, the wines are generous and made with Tinta Negra would always be inferior to those made from the grape varieties Boal, Sercial, and Malvasia.
Tinto Cão
Features
The variety Tinto Cão, is grown in the Douro valley since the XVIII century, however, as it was a very productive has never been very much appreciated by the farmers. Back in the ' 80's it was discovered that Tinto Cão has optimum characteristics to produce Port wine. The cultivation of this variety has been extended to other areas, such as the add, the Canary Islands and the Peninsula of Setúbal, where it exists in very small quantities. Tinto Cão, features clusters of very small, and late maturity. It is highly resistant to disease and decay, as well as allowing the temperature is too high. The variety Tinto Cão, is often busy with the grape varieties: Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, among other things. It produces wines that are loaded with color and the flavours subtle and fresh floral.
Touriga Franca
(or Touriga Francesa)
Features
Touriga Franca is a grape variety planted in the river Douro and Trás-os-Montes. It is one of the best grape varieties to produce Porto wine and Douro, but its cultivation has been extended to all the regions of Bairrada, Ribatejo, Setúbal, or Estremedura. The Touriga Franca, has a regular production throughout the year, and it's quite resistant to diseases. Its bunches are medium to large with medium and rounded berries. The wines produced from this grape variety has an intense color and are very fruity. In the porto wine, Touriga Franca includes lots of Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional.
Touriga Nacional
(or Touriga)
Features
It's a noble and appreciated variety in Portugal. Originally grown in the Dão region, was quickly extended to the area of the Douro valley to be used in the production of Porto wine. Recently, the producers have figured out the value of this variety in the production of table wines, and its cultivation has been extended to other regions such as Alentejo. It is a variety kind of low production, has abundant clusters, but smaller. The berries have a high concentration of sugar, color, and flavor. The wines produced, or blended with Touriga Nacional are equilibrated, alcoholics and with a good capacity to age.
Trincadeira
(or Tinta Amarela)
Features
Trincadeira is a variety, especially cultivated in the regions of Alentejo and Douro (where it is known as Tinta Amarela). It is a variety that has clusters of medium sized, and compact, and the berries are medium, rounded. It is sensitive to disease and decay, (if the berries get rain they fade easily), so it grows best in dry and very warm climates. The wines are rich in color and smells (especially fruity and vegetables), slightly in alcohol and in good condition for the age.
Vinhão
(or Sousão)
Features
The variety Vinhão is mainly appreciated for its qualities of dyes, since it leads to wines of a deep red, and opaque to light. It is thought to be native to the area from the Minho region and may have been carried into the region of the Douro valley, where it is known as Sousão. This variety has clusters of medium-sized, composite grain and medium uniform in color, black and blue. In the region of vinho verde, a Vinhão grape variety of red wine most widely grown in the region. The wines produced from the grape Vinhão they also have a high acidity, and at times, they are a lot acídulos. In the Douro valley, this variety is mainly used to give a good color to the wine, including wine.
Moscatel Galego Roxo
(or Moscatel Roxo)
Features
A variety of tinta Moscatel Galego Roxo, there is little in the Peninsula of Setúbal and it produces wine that is similar to the “Moscatel de Setúbal”, but the aromas and flavors are more complex. The Moscatel Galego Roxo, it is often attacked by birds due to the aroma and sweetness of their berries. The feature of this variety is very different from the grape variety Muscat: the bunches and berries are smaller and have a pinkish color. The wines produced from this grape have a high degree of sweetness, and they are very aromatic and lingering aftertaste. The grape Moscatel Galego Roxo, is one of the varieties of “elementary” that’s why it’s a determinate factor in the flavor and taste of the wine.
Ramisco
Features
A variety Ramisco, is a characteristic of the Colares area. Their cultivation, it's very special and it takes a lot of work, for a time, this grape variety is planted in a “bottom-of-sand-and-no grafts (end-frank”). The vineyards are close to the ocean and in an area close to the major towns and cities, for this reason, the pressure of urbanization, a lack of labor, and the low yield of the crop is almost extinct variety. A variety Ramisco have a delayed maturation. Its berries are medium sized, and compact cars made by the berries are small and rounded. The wines have a range of alcohol relatively low (about 11), high acidity and tannins are the most intense. However, once you grow old, in a bottle, it becomes more mild and very aromatic.
Rufete
(or Tinta Pinheiro)
Features
A variety Rufete, also known as Tinta Pinheira, it is mainly cultivated in the regions of Douro and Dão, especially in the sub-regions of Pinhel, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo and Cova da Beira. It is a productive variety, and the bench and berries are of medium size. It is to be particularly sensitive to powdery mildew and downy mildew. This variety rarely produces wines of higher quality, however, if you've reached the time of optimum ripeness (around the end of October), it can produce wines that are full-bodied, aromatic, and able to stay a few years in the bottle. A variety Rufete only produces great wines in a climate-specific, such as, Pinhel, that is why it is used, for the most part, in the production of fine wines in the lot.
Tinta Barroca
Features
Tinta Barroca variety is planted almost exclusively in the Douro wine region and is widely used in the production of fine wines in the lot. It is one of the varieties that make up some of the Porto wine, but the wine varieties are not very famous. A Tinta Barroca is extremely popular with growers; it is easy to grow and very productive. This grape variety regulates the production of, and resistance to disease and pests. In addition, it has an early maturing, and their berries, concentrated in sugar rise wines with a higher alcohol concentration. The wines produced from the grape variety Tinta Barroca are easy to drink, and soft tannins. However, most of the time, they are not very balanced neither concentrated.
