Portugal is a country with a rich history of wine production and a unique oenological culture. In addition to being blessed with one of the best climates on the European continent, it is a country rich in gastronomy and cultural heritage. Perhaps Port Wines are the best known internationally, however, Portugal has dozens of unique wine options, rich in personality and flavor.
We have selected 6 reasons for wine lovers to invest in Portuguese wines, and we guarantee that they are capable of surprising the palate in just one sip.
1 - Portugal has a huge variety of grapes, with almost 300 varieties, most of which are indigenous. Autochthonous varieties are varieties of grapes native to a particular region or country, grapes that develop naturally over the years, adapting to the specific conditions of the local terroir. In the context of Portuguese wines, indigenous grape varieties play a strong role in Portuguese viticulture, such as, for example, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Baga, among many others.
This factor makes Portuguese wines have a unique and distinctive identity, with original flavors and aromas that do not develop anywhere else in the world. As a curiosity, Portugal has a greater diversity of grapes than French or Spanish wines.
2 - Although Portugal is a small country, its diversity of terroirs is impressive. The 14 demarcated wine regions are Vinhos Verdes, Trás-os-Montes, Douro, Távora-Varosa, Dão, Bairrada, Beira Interior, Lisbon, Tagus, Setúbal Peninsula, Algarve, Madeira and the Azores, each region having its characteristics and particularities, ranging from its soil, climate and biodiversity, to its customs and traditions.
In addition, the demarcated region for wine production in Portugal corresponds to the fourth largest vineyard area in Europe, with almost 200,000 hectares of vineyards. Of these, more than half are hectares dedicated to the Denomination of Controlled Origin (DOC). One of the best known and most visited wine regions is the Douro which, in 2001, was considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
3 - Portuguese wine has a centuries-old history, with its first traces dating back to the Roman period, when the Romans recognized the potential of the region for growing grapes. In addition, over the centuries, Portugal was influenced by different cultures and civilizations, which led to a strong sharing of information, habits and customs, influencing the practices of producing wines.
As one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world, the country has a legacy of quality and authenticity when it comes to wines, where each bottle carries the history and identity of a terroir.
4 - The excellent quality-price ratio should also be associated with Portuguese wines, known for offering this excellent ratio compared to wines from other countries and with similar characteristics. Our wines are, for the most part, affordable, allowing consumers to have access to and enjoy good wines without having to pay high prices.
One of the reasons for this excellent quality-price ratio may be due to the fact that land in Portugal is more accessible compared to other wine-growing regions, which makes the acquisition of vineyards and maintenance of wineries more economical.
5 – The excellent aging potential is one of the main characteristics of most Portuguese wines. Our native grape varieties and our traditional winemaking methods contribute to the production of wines that can evolve over time, developing complexity and elegance. This fact gives wine lovers and appreciators the opportunity to taste high quality wines, with several years of aging, offering unique sensory experiences.
In addition, climatic conditions also contribute to the aging of wines. In some regions, such as the Douro and Dão, hot, dry summers and cold winters allow the grapes to mature slowly, as well as a natural acidity, helping to develop wines with a solid structure and a good base for ageing. It is also important to point out that not all Portuguese wines are allied with time, since some of them are made to be consumed young.
6 - On the other hand, Portugal does not only have good wines, our country also has great options for wine tourism, with excellent tourist itineraries that allow visitors to explore the wine regions, getting to know the vineyards, tasting wines and discovering the rich culture and wine tradition in Portugal.
The most internationally known route is the Porto Wine Route, where along the Douro River, it is possible to find several leisure options and wineries, as well as tasting Port Wines, from the youngest and freshest to the most aged and complex ones. . The Vinho Verde Route also has its highlight, bringing the essence of the Minho region through the production of refreshing wines. On this route, it is possible to explore vineyards and traditional wineries, as well as enjoy the local cuisine, with traditional dishes that harmonize perfectly with Vinho Verde. In addition to these two, there is also the Alentejo Wine Route, which is the opportunity to explore the largest wine region in Portugal, known for its full-bodied and aromatic red wines, for its stunning landscapes and excellent wineries. Another great option is the Dão Wine Route, full of family and historic wineries, where you can discover the native grape varieties and enjoy tastings and visits and excellent wine tourism programs.
These six reasons are not the only ones, there are also particularities that make Portugal a unique country and full of reasons to be sought after. Our country is not far behind, being among the ten largest wine producing countries in the world, Portugal is an authentic country with a lot to offer, especially when it comes to wines.
