Alentejo Demarcated Region
Traditional winemaking in the Alentejo Demarctaed Region is heir to Roman processes, such as fermentation in large clay pots. In the 1980s, Alentejo was the stage for a vast modernization of wine production, with numerous investments, new producers and cooperatives, resulting in the official demarcation of the region in 1988 and the international recognition of Alentejo wines.
In Alentejo wines we can find several traditional grape varieties, such as: Trincadeira, Aragonez, Castelão and Alicante Bouschet, resulting in full-bodied reds, rich in tannins and aromas of wild fruits. The white grape varieties are Roupeiro, Antão Vaz and Arinto, resulting in white wines that are generally mild, with aromas of tropical fruits.
Get to know more by clicking in here.
The Alentejo Demarcated region is one of the largest wine regions in Portugal, with about 22,000 hectares, corresponding to ten percent of the total vineyard in Portugal.
A hot and dry region of the south, it is dominated by extensive plains of poor soil. The many hours of sunshine and the very high temperatures in summer allow perfect ripening of the grapes, but they also require the watering of the vine.
The Alentejo Region is subdivided into eight sub-regions in which DOC wines are produced: Reguengos, Borba, Redondo, Vidigueira, Évora, Granja-Amareleja, Portalegre and Moura. It also presents a high production of Regional Wine, which allows the inclusion of other grape varieties, such as Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah or Chardonnay.
Wine Characteristics - Alentejo Region
- There are countless grape varieties planted. Among the white wines, the Antão Vaz grape is the region’s biggest bet. The native varieties Arinto, Fernão Pires and Roupeiro are also more easily found. While in paints, Alicante Bouschet, Aragonês and Trincadeira stand out. But the cutting possibilities are numerous, the most common blend is composed of Castelão, Aragonês and Trincadeira. Not to mention that it is possible to find regional wines made with Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah or Chardonnay.
- The red wines produced in this region are dark in color, full-bodied and rich in tannins. They are quite velvety and generally have an excellent concentration of wild and red fruits. These are wines ready to drink at a young age.
- It is also possible to find good white wines made in this part of Portugal, although they are less traditional drinks. White wines are usually mild, slightly acidic and have aromas of tropical fruits. Despite the marked differences in each sub-region, the wines have unique characteristics. In general, they are seductive and elegant.
