Portugal Flashcards
(108 cards)
Which geographical feature creates Portugal’s diverse topography and disconnected internal development?
Its rugged mountains Explanation: The mountainous terrain historically isolated many Portuguese regions from each other and preserved distinct winemaking traditions.
Which ocean current most influences the climate of Western Portugal?
The Atlantic Ocean Explanation: Cold, humid air from the Atlantic shapes the maritime climate of Portugal’s western coast.
What type of soil predominates between Lisbon and Porto, underneath the cold coastal area?
Lime-rich clay/Calcareous clay (in Bairrada DOP) Explanation: This giant vein of calcareous clay, with pockets of deep sand, characterizes the soils of Lisboa and Bairrada.
Which region north of Porto experiences one of the highest rainfall levels in Europe?
Vinho Verde Explanation: The tall mountains to the east create a pronounced rain shadow effect in this granitic area.
In which northern Portuguese region can vineyards exceed 1,000 meters in elevation?
Trás-os-Montes Explanation: The far north interior features rugged granitic mountains with vineyards planted above 1,000 meters.
Which climatic effect historically gave the northern mountain regions of Portugal their most regarded wines?
Large diurnal temperature swings Explanation: Warm days and cool nights encourage balanced ripeness and acidity, yielding top-quality wines.
Which region is characterized by vast savannah-like plains and rich red clay soils south of the Tagus River?
Alentejo Explanation: The expansive plains and fertile red clay define this region’s agricultural diversity.
Which two Atlantic archipelagos of Portugal produce grapes in a highly maritime climate on volcanic soils?
Madeira and the Azores Explanation: Both islands have mild temperatures, high humidity, and volcanic terroir conducive to unique wine styles.
In which year did Portugal formally adopt its current pyramid-like appellation system after joining the EU?
1986 Explanation: EU membership spurred Portugal to implement its nested regional designations.
Which designation sits at the top of Portugal’s quality wine hierarchy?
DOC Explanation: Denominação de Origem Controlada theoretically enforces stricter rules on grape varieties and geographic boundaries.
What is the broader classification below DOC in Portugal that often permits international grapes?
Vinho Regional (VR) Explanation: Equivalent to IGP, VR covers larger areas with more liberal regulations than DOC.
Which category of Portuguese wine cannot display varietal contents or vintage dates on the label?
Vinho de Mesa Explanation: Table wines may only state “Portugal” and cannot indicate other specifics.
How many indigenous grape varieties were identified in the 2017 Catálogo Nacional de Variedades de Videira?
262 Explanation: Despite this diversity, production is dominated by a relatively small set of widely planted grapes.
Which high-quality, varietal white wine from northern Vinho Verde often shows more florality than its Spanish counterpart?
Alvarinho Explanation: In Monção e Melgaço, Alvarinho develops ripe stone fruit and floral notes, distinct from Galician Albariño.
Which white grape originating in Vidigueira is increasingly important in Alentejo for blending and disease resistance?
Antão Vaz Explanation: This old variety retains acidity if picked early and withstands many common vine diseases.
In which Lisboa subzone is Arinto (Pedernã) believed to have originated?
Bucelas Explanation: This late-ripening grape can show intense citrus, stone fruit, and ageworthiness, especially in Bucelas.
Which Bairrada white grape is early-budding and early-ripening, often showing peachy stone-fruit flavors?
Bical Explanation: It contributes a mineral profile to blends and is also produced as a varietal wine.
Which single variety was confirmed by DNA testing to be the same as Cercial in Bairrada and Dão/Douro?
Cerceal Explanation: Despite spelling differences, Cercial and Cerceal are one grape, known for its high acidity and mineral flavors.
Which Dão variety can produce broad-textured, acidic whites with rose and flint notes, often barrel-fermented in a Burgundian style?
Encruzado Explanation: This early- to midripening grape is the backbone of Dão’s most prestigious white wines.
Which widely planted Portuguese white grape is called Maria Gomes in Bairrada?
Fernão Pires Explanation: This early-budding, aromatic variety drops acidity quickly at full ripeness but is popular in blends when picked early.
Which important Douro white grape (also known in Spain) has balanced sugar and moderate acidity, commonly seen in blends?
Gouveio (Godello) Explanation: Though often overshadowed by other varieties, it is an important component in Douro table and fortified whites.
What is the most widely planted white grape in Vinho Verde, known for laurel-like aromas?
Loureiro Explanation: Predominant in Lima Valley, it shows floral, citrus, and mineral notes with bright acidity.
Which white grape in Douro and Dão can produce high sugar and early acidity drop, adding texture and nutty notes in blends?
Malvasia Fina (Boal) Explanation: Also used in Madeira, it brings roundness and complexity to table wines.
Which Douro variety, prized for fortified and table wines, shows citrus, floral, herbal notes, and smoky minerality?
Rabigato Explanation: Its high acidity makes it valuable in Port blends and increasingly in varietal dry wines.