Portugal - CMS Intro Somm Flashcards
What is Portugal known for in the context of wine?
Steeped in tradition with a multitude of indigenous varieties and some of the oldest demarcated wine regions
What recent changes have occurred in Portugal’s wine industry?
The use of modern equipment and production techniques
These changes turn out wines of excellent quality and value.
True or False: Portugal’s wine industry has remained stagnant in recent years.
False
The industry has seen significant changes and improvements.
Where is Portugal located?
On the southwest portion of the Iberian Peninsula with the Atlantic Coast to the west.
The Atlantic Coast is a dominant feature of Portugal’s geography.
How many distinct climate areas does Portugal have?
Three distinct areas.
- Northern coast
- Southern coast
- Interior
What type of climate characterizes the northern coastal region of Portugal?
Cool and humid due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean.
This region experiences abundant rainfall and a lush, green environment akin to Rías Baixas across the Spanish border.
What climate conditions are found along the southern coast of Portugal?
Warmer and more characteristic of a Mediterranean climate.
What kind of climate predominates in the interior of Portugal?
Decidedly continental climate marked by hot, arid conditions.
What is the topography of inland Portugal like for viticulture?
Rugged, difficult terrain.
How many indigenous grape varieties does Portugal have?
Over 200 indigenous varieties.
How are Portuguese wines without geographic indication labeled?
Vinho
How are Portuguese wines with geographic indication labeled?
- Indicação Geográfica Protegida (IGP)
- Denominação de Origem Protegida (DOP)
What does Indicação Geográfica Protegida (IGP) mean in the context of Portuguese wine labeling?
- Larger regional designations;
85% must be from the stated region - Many grape varieties are allowed depending on the region
- Minimum alcohol is regulated
What does Denominação de Origem Protegida (DOP) mean in the context of Portuguese wine labeling?
- Primary category for quality wine
- Specific wine regions, located inside a larger IGP
- Regulates wine style, maximum
yields, minimum alcohol, and aging requirements
What are the important appellations of Portugal?
- Vinho Verde DOP
- Douro DOP
What does Vinho Verde translate to?
Green wine
This references the youthful nature of the wines and the recommendation to drink them while young
What is the largest DOP in Portugal?
Vinho Verde
Where is Vinho Verde DOP located?
Northern Portugal on the Atlantic Coast, just south of the Spanish border
What is the climate of Vinho Verde DOP, Portugal?
Cool, maritime, rainy, and humid
This is a contiguous region of the
Spanish Rías Baixas to the north.
What region is contiguous to Vinho Verde to the north?
Spanish Rías Baixas
What are the grape varieties of Vinho Verde DOP, Portugal?
- Loureiro (most planted)
- Trajadura
- Alvarinho (Albariño)
White grape varieties
What is the most characteristic wine from the Vinho Verde DOP region of Portugal?
A low-alcohol, white wine with lively acidity and slight effervescence
What causes the slight effervescence in Vinho Verde DOP wines in Portugal?
An injection of carbon dioxide at bottling
What is the Douro Valley, Portugal known for?
Production of fortified wine, Port and high-quality dry, unfortified red wines
The Douro Valley was one of the first demarcated wine regions in the world.
