Portugal's Vinicultural Heritage: A Tapestry of Tradition and Innovation

Although Port, a Portuguese fortified wine, has been internationally popular for centuries, Portuguese wine is often underrated compared to wines from France, Italy, and Spain. But Portugal has a long and rich winemaking tradition dating back thousands of years, and it continues to produce a wide selection of excellent wines today. If you’re a wine lover planning to travel to Portugal, visiting some local wineries and vineyards can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Let’s take a journey through the history of Portuguese wine and look at some of the most popular varieties. 

The History of Winemaking in Portugal 

Portugal has embraced the art of winemaking for thousands of years. Its origins can be traced back to 2000 BCE when the Tartessians planted vines in the Southern Sado and Tagus valleys. In the 10th century BCE, the Phoenicians arrived, bringing new grape varieties and winemaking techniques.  

Over time, viticulture expanded beyond the southern coastal regions due to the influence of the Greeks, Celts, and Romans. Their presence spread the practice of winemaking further north, leaving an enduring impact on Portugal's wine traditions. 

In the 12th century, Portuguese wines found their way to England from the Entre Douro e Minho region, which encompasses modern Portuguese wine regions such as Douro and Vinho Verde. The Treaty of Windsor, signed in 1386, strengthened relations between Portugal and England, opening doors for trade. 

From the late 17th to the early 18th century, Portuguese wine production surged, driven by rising demand within Portugal, its overseas territories, and Britain. The Methuen Treaty of 1703 deepened English economic interests in Portugal, favoring Portuguese wines over French wines in the British market.  

During this time, Port wine gained popularity in Britain, leading to the establishment of a protected designation of origin in 1756, ensuring the authenticity and quality of Douro-produced Port wine, spearheaded by the Marquis of Pombal.  

Portuguese wines became synonymous with Port for centuries, while Madeira found favor in British colonies worldwide. In the mid-to-late 20th century, Portugal's sweet, slightly sparkling rosé brands like Mateus and Lancers gained immense global popularity, led by the British wine market.  

EU membership in the mid-1980s injected funding and grants, reviving the stagnant Portuguese wine industry. This sparked upgrades in winemaking technology and facilities. With a renewed focus on premium production, Portugal showcased its unique dry red and white wines around the world. 

The Top Wine Regions in Portugal 

While Port may have put Portugal’s winemaking tradition on the map, there are plenty of other excellent varieties of Portuguese wine worth seeking out when visiting the country. Here is a look at some of the best wine regions to visit if you’re looking to discover other types of Portuguese wine. 

Vinho Verde 

Nestled in the lush northwest region of Portugal, just south of Spain's Galicia, lies the picturesque home of Vinho Verde—a light, traditionally delicate spritzy wine. Here, Alvarinho (Spain's albariño) reigns supreme in the north, acting as the foundation for many blends, while further south, Loureiro takes center stage. While inexpensive and traditional Vinho Verde wines feature that characteristic spritz, newer offerings, especially single-vineyard or varietal styles, deviate from this norm. 

Inland from the Costa Verde, this region bears the distinction of being one of the rainiest and most fertile areas for vine cultivation. Consequently, grapes mature with moderate sugar levels, a defining feature that sets the wines apart. With their crisp acidity, lively fruit flavors, and lower alcohol content (typically around 10 percent to 11 percent), Vinho Verde wines are incredibly refreshing. They also perfectly complement local fish dishes and charcuterie, offering a delightful sensory experience. 

Douro 

Within the enchanting Douro Valley, one of the world's most captivating wine regions, Portugal's pioneering spirit shines. Gone are the days when unfortified wines took a backseat to Port production. Now, winemakers seize the opportunity to craft vibrant, full-bodied reds and refreshing dry whites from their prized grapes. 

The Douro Valley's tapestry of terroirs reveals a sparsely populated and arid terrain, where vineyards cascade along steep terraced slopes. Here, the very same grapes that grace Port wines thrive, including the Aromatic Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Cão, and Tinta Barroca. Expect wines brimming with intense flavors and tannins, skillfully balanced to retain the luscious fruit and invigorating freshness. 

Lisbon & Surrounding Areas 

Located on Portugal's Atlantic coastline, Lisboa is a flourishing winemaking region. Anchored by the vibrant capital, Lisbon, its best vineyards sprawl north and west, forming nine distinctive sub-zones. Alenquer and Bucelas shine as the most renowned. 

The Serra de Montejunto hills serve as a shield against the Atlantic winds. Nestled to the north of Lisbon, these hills moderate the region's climate, nurturing the winemakers' craft. 

Alenquer takes the spotlight for its remarkable red wines, boasting complexity and full-bodied character. Here, Touriga Nacional and Tinto Roriz (Tempranillo) reign supreme. Meanwhile, Bucelas steals the show with its fresh, minerally white wines, crafted from the Arinto grape. With aging, these wines develop complex flavors and aromas.