Wines of Portugal
The story of winemaking in the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Portugal and Spain) dates to 2,000 BC when a people called the Tartessos cultivated vines. The arrival of the Romans in the 2nd century AD and their thirst for wine marked the start of a form of mass production. In 1756, the Douro region was recognized as a unique wine-producing area (known as an appellation), the first in wine history to be demarcated. Around this time, many of its famous Port houses were established. Over the following centuries, Portugal developed its wine sector and today it offers a diverse selection of wines for all wallets.
Portugal is a small country exposed in the west to the Atlantic Ocean with its eastern, inland reaches bordering Spain. It has many micro-climates and terrains ranging from wet, damp, and hilly areas to plains that are hot and arid. These differences are reflected in a huge array of grapes and red, white, and rosé wines. Its fresh, white Vinho Verde wines made from the Alvarinho grape in northwest of the country are famous around the world while the Douro to its east is the home of Port production. Further south, Barraida and Dão are sources of quality red wines.
This country has a huge range of indigenous grape varieties that offer a point of difference to wine lovers. Many international varieties are also farmed successfully for table wines.
Portugal has a simple wine quality tier system beginning with the term ‘Vinho’, rising to DOP (standing for Denominaçõe de Origem Protegida).