31 - Portugal Flashcards
(46 cards)
What is the climate of Portugal?
Portugal has a range of different climates. The Atlantic ocean is the single most important influence and much of the country has a maritime climate.
In many inland vineyards the climate is hot, dry and continental but temperatures can be moderated by altitude where available.
Why can the wines of Portugal be difficult to understand
Many of the same indigenous grape varieties can have different names in different regions.
What is a point of difference about Portuguese wines from other countries?
It has a wealth of indigenous grape varieties.
What are the 5 main DOC’s of Portugal?
Vinho Verde Duoro Dao Bairrada Alentejo
Where is Vinho Verde and what is its climate?
The NW of Portugal. South of the river River Minho.
It’s nearness to the Atlantic means it has a moderate maritime climate.
What is the significant climatic feature of Vinho Verde and what is of particular concern to viticulturalists as a result?
The high annual rainfall.
Canopy management is vital, as high rainfall can lead to excessive canopy growth and encourage disease.
What was the traditional trellising method in Vinho Verde called?
Pergola
Why is Pergola trellising being replaced in Vinho Verde and what is it being replaced by?
The vineyards are being modernised.
Spur pruned VSP to allow better aeration and facilitate mechanisation.
What is the character of a classic white Vinho Verde wine?
Pale lemon
High Acid
Low Alcohol 8.5-11% (usually off-dry in style)
What abv can be expected in a Vinho Verde wine that mentions a grape variety, sub-region or authorised quality labelling term on the label?
Up to 14%
What grapes are used for Vinho Verde?
Local grapes such as
Loureiro
Arinto
What are the reds and roses of Vinho Verde like?
Reds: Deeply coloured and tannic.
Rose: Fresh and Fruity
What is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world?
Duoro
Where is Duoro?
80km east of Porto and stretching from the Marao Mountains to the Spanish border.
What wine styles are made in Duoro?
It’s dominated by port but unfortified wines have always been made.
What 5 principal varieties are relied upon for Port and still reds in Duoro?
Touriga Nacional Touriga Franca Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) Tinto Barroca Tinto Cao
What is the highest quality and most well known grape in Duoro?
Touriga Nacional
Describe the structure of Touriga Nacional?
Low yields
Intense Colour and Flavour
High Tannin
Describe the red wines of Duoro?
Tend to be: Deeply coloured Full Bodied High levels of ripe tannin Rich black fruit flavours Best have subtle toasty aromas from oak maturation.
Describe the whites of Duoro
Fresh varietal fruit and M-H acidity.
Particularly those from higher altitude vineyards.
Where is Dao located?
In the mountainous area 80km south of Duoro
Where are the vines planted in Dao?
On the gentler hills and slopes between 200-400m above sea level.
What climatic characteristics of the vineyards in Dao make it great for high-quality grape production?
Cold wet winters, with warm dry summers and a significant diurnal range.
Describe the reds of Dao
Often display delicate red fruit aromas, soft tannins, and high acidity.
