Wines of Portugal
Portugal is well known for its wines, and in recent decades , since joining the EU in 1986, there has been a marked improvement in winemaking, so that the results will satisfy any connoisseur. Each regiao demarcada or demarcated wine region is designated by law and guarantees the quality, character and type of wine of each particular region. The first region to be demarcated was the Douro in the reign of King Jose (1750-1770).
The wine region that is local to our area is Dao, which traditionally produces great wines, went through a bad patch but today has made an enormous comeback and has excellent wines. Quinta dos Roques, Casa de Santar and some of the Sogrape wines, among others are worth buying. The Bairrada region north of Coimbra is a region that produces wines of differing quality, from very good to average. One of the top names is Luis Pato, whose wines are very high quality, but other wine growers have made an enormous effort to improve their wines.
The Vinho Verde region, due to its soil and climate, produces unique wines whose accentuated tannins and sharp freshness distinguish them from any other wine. Vinho verdes meaning literally green wines, are produced in the Minho and Douro Litoral The term vinho verd has nothing to do with the colour or ripeness of the grapes; they are young wines with a fresh and fruity aroma but with a marked tartness about them. The Alvarinho grape variety from Moncao and Melgaco produces one of Portugal's best vinho verdes.
