 Portugal's climate and soil, its excellent varieties
of traditional grapes and the wisdom and long experience
of its vine-growers have all helped to make Portuguese
wines amongst the most famous in the world.
There are 47 wine-producing regions, in all of which
various categories are to be found, as shown on the labels
of the bottles, with the following abbreviations:
VQPRD: "Vinho de Qualidade Produzido em Região
Determinada" (Quality Wine Produced in a Demarcated
Region) - this shows that the wine is of a high quality,
with a limited production that is fixed each year by
the supervisory authorities. Such wines are made from
specific grape varieties in strictly demarcated regions.
For a wine to be able to enjoy this category, it must
satisfy strict requirements in relation to its colour,
taste and aroma. Sometimes, this reference on the bottle
is replaced by the simpler code RD - Região Demarcada
(Demarcated Region).
DOC: "Denominação de Origem Controlada" (Controlled
Denomination of Origin) - production of these wines is
linked to a strictly demarcated geographical region with
particular characteristics, as established in special
legislation.
IPR: "Indicações de Proveniência
Regulamentada" (Indications of Regulated Origin)
- this indicates wines produced in regions that are passing
through a transitional phase. During this period a close
watch is kept on their characteristics and afterwards
these wines may be included in the VQPRD category.
Vinhos Regionais (Regional Wines): this category is used
for table wines, for which the particular geographical
origin is indicated.
In the Minho region, in North-West Portugal, you must
make sure to taste the famous Vinhos Verdes, genuinely
refreshing wines that are perfect for hot days. The vines
are grown on trellises (being suspended high in the air
on special frames) and they lend a very picturesque atmosphere
to the countryside.
In the Douro region, the vines are grown on terraces,
giving the impression of huge natural staircases leading
down to the banks of the river. Both red and white wines
are produced here and, of course, the famous Vinho do
Porto (Port Wine), which has a strong and intense flavour
when young and becomes softer and more velvety as it
ages, producing the celebrated "vintage" wines.
These unique qualities were recognised long ago and this
was the first demarcated region to be established on
a worldwide scale (in 1756).
The demarcated region of Dão, where the vines
are grown on the granite slopes of the hills to the south
of the River Douro, is famous for its full-bodied and
strong-flavoured reds, whilst further south is the region
of Bairrada, which produces a range of dry but fruity
whites. The grapes here are also used to produce a highly
regarded sparkling wine of undeniable quality and distinctive
flavour, which is to be found in the region around Lamego.
Portugal`s vinhos rosados or rosés, which are
dry or slightly sweetened, are well known all over the
world, being famous for their colour, freshness, unmistakable
aroma and high quality.
Close to Lisbon are the demarcated regions of Bucelas,
which produces soft, slightly acidic wines, Carcavelos,
producing what is now one of the world`s rarest wines,
and Colares, where the vines are grown in sandy ground,
which gives them a completely different flavour.
To the south of the River Tagus is the region of Setúbal,
which has given its name to a sweet fortified wine, mainly
produced from the Moscatel grape, although the surrounding
region also produces robust reds and light white wines.
The Alentejo region (Borba, Vidigueira, Redondo and Reguengos)
is the home of some vibrant reds and high-quality white
wines, whilst the Algarve produces smooth, aromatic wines.
Because of its sub-tropical climate, volcanic soil and
distinctive grape varieties, Madeira is able to produce
a very special full rich wine, which has taken the name
of the island and is famous throughout the world for
its quite unique qualities.
Article © 2002-2006, Portugal
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