Portugal Flashcards

1
Q

Name the five main DOC’s of Portugal.

A

Vinho Verde, Douro, Dao, Bairrada, Alentejo.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Describe the climate of Portugal.

A

It has a wide range for a small country. The Atlantic Ocean is the single most important factor. Much of the country is maritime. Many of the inland vineyards are hot, dry and continental. Altitude can help mitigate the high temperatures.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the most significant feature of the maritime climate in Vinho Verde?

A

High annual rainfall.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

How is high rainfall dealt with in Vihno Verde?

A

Careful canopy management to limit excessive canopy growth and disease. Moving away from traditional pergola trellising to spur pruned VSP to create airflow and allow for mechanization.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Describe a classic white Vinho Verde.

A

Pale Lemmon in color, high acidity, low in alcohol, usually off-dry in style. However if a grape variety or sub-region is mentioned it can contain up to 14% alcohol.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

In Vinho Verde, what white varieties are used in production?

A

Louriero and Arinto. They have a slight sparkling sensation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is Vinho Verde Alvarinho?

A

Made entirely from Alvarinho grapes grown in the small sub-region of Moncao e Melgaco. It has slightly higher alcohol and riper, more tropical aromas.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the Portuguese term for PDO?

A

DOP, but DOC is also widely used.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the Portuguese PGI?

A

IGP, but Vinho Regional is still seen on labels.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are table wines without geographical indication labeled as?

A

Vinho (wind).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world?

A

Douro. East of Porto and stretches from the Marao Mountains to Spain.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What wine is Duoro known for?

A

Port.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Name the 5 Doro varieties.

A

Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) Tinta Barroca and Tinta Cao.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Of the 5 Doro varieties, which is the highest quality?

A

Touriga Nacional. Low yields, intense colors and flavors and high levels of tannins.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Describe a typical red from Duoro.

A

Deeply colored and full bodied, high tannins, black fruit flavors. Toasty aromas from new oak.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Describe a typical white from Duoro.

A

Fresh varietal fruit and medium to high acidity.

17
Q

Describe the location and climate of DOC Dao.

A

Inland, south of Douro. 200-400 meters above sea level. Cold wet winters, warm dry summers. Significant diurnal range. Vines planted on gentler hills and slopes.

18
Q

Describe a typical red from Dao.

A

Delicate red fruit aromas, soft tannins, high acidity.

19
Q

High quality varieties include Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Jaen (Mencia in Spain), and Alfrocheiro. What does Alfrocheiro add?

A

Deep color with intense aromas of blackberry and strawberry.

20
Q

What variety is used in Dao white wines?

A

Encruzado.

21
Q

What DOC lies between Dao and The Atlantic?

A

Bairrada.

22
Q

What is the climate of Bairrada?

A

Maritime with rainy winters and warm summers. Rain around harvest can be a problem.

23
Q

What is the dominant black variety in Bairrada?

A

Baga.

24
Q

What are Baga’s characteristics?

A

Small, thick-skinned, deep color, high tannin. If underripe can have high acidity and astringent tannins.

25
Q

How can you soften the Baga variety?

A

Later picking, gentler crushing and maceration techniques, blending with other black varieties.

26
Q

What varieties are used in Dao white wines?

A

Indigenous varieties Bical and Maria Gomes.

27
Q

How do the wines in Alentejo (spread over 8 subregions) differ?

A

The cooler, wetter north produces more elegant wines. The hotter, drier central and south produce richer examples.

28
Q

What is a typical red blend in Alentejo made from?

A

Aragones (Tempranillo), Trincaderia (drought tolerant with spicy red berry flavors and high levels of tannin). Alicante Bouschet (high in color and tannins) is also used. The wines are typically deep color, high yet soft tannins, full body and expressive ripe fruit flavors.

29
Q

What varieties are used in white wines from Alentejo?

A

Arinto, Antao Vaz, and Roupiero. Fruity and floral whites with medium to high acidity. May use oak.

30
Q

What is the largest region in Portugal in terms of production?

A

Alentajano. Regulations are liberal and a wide range of varieties.