Portugal

Question 1

Describe the climatic range of Portugal

Answer 1

• Maritime climate near the coast

- Inland is hot, dry continental

Question 2

What is the climate of Vinho Verde?

Answer 2

Moderate maritime with high annual rainfall

Question 3

Due to the high annual rainfall in Vinho Verde, what must be done to the vineyards, and why?

Answer 3

• Careful canopy management

- High precipitation can lead to excessive canopy growth and disease

Question 4

What technique is used to combat the rainfall in Vinho Verde?

Answer 4

Spur-pruned VSP, which creates airflow.

Question 5

What are the grapes of Vinho Verde?

Answer 5

• Loureiro
• Arinto
• Alvarinho (Albariño)

Question 6

How is Vinho Verde Alvarinho different from Vinho Verde?

Answer 6

• 100% Alvarinho
• Slightly higher alcohol (11.5-14%)
• Grown in the sub-region of Monção e Melgaço

Question 7

What is the alcohol range of basic Vinho Verde?

Answer 7

8-11.5%

Question 8

What is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world?

Answer 8

Douro

Question 9

What are the five grape varieties grown in the Douro?

Answer 9

Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tina Barroca, Tinta Cão

Question 10

What is considered the highest-quality grape variety in the Douro?

Answer 10

Touriga Nacional

Question 11

Describe a typical red wine from the Douro

Answer 11

Deeply colored / full bodied / high tannin / black fruit / oak aromas

Question 12

What are some factors that make the Dão region excellent for grape-growing?

Answer 12

• Vineyard altitude of 200-400 m
• Large diurnal range
• Warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters

Question 13

Describe a typical wine from the Dão

Answer 13

Red fruit / soft tannins / high acid

Question 14

What are four high-quality grape varieties grown in the Dão?

Answer 14

• Touriga Nacional
• Tinta Roriz
• Jaen
• Alfrocheiro

Question 15

What grapeare the best Dão whites made from?

Answer 15

Encruzado

Question 16

Where is Bairrada located?

Answer 16

Between the Dão and the Atlantic Ocean?

Question 17

What is the climate of Bairrada?

Answer 17

Maritime, with rainy winters and warm summers

Question 18

What is the dominant black grape of Bairrada?

Answer 18

BAGA!!!

Question 19

Describe the Alentejo region

Answer 19

• Spread over 8 sub-regions in Southern Portugal
• Warm growing season
• Cooler and wetter in the north, hotter and dried in the center and south

Question 20

What is a typical red blend from Alentejo?

Answer 20

Aragones (Temranillo) and Trincadeira, with Alicante Bouschet sometimes added

Question 21

Describe a typical red from Alentejo

Answer 21

Deep color / high, soft tannins / full bodied / ripe fruit flavor

Question 22

What does the Vinho Regional Alentejano appellation indicate?

Answer 22

Covers a far more extensive region around the Alentejo region, with looser winemaking regulations