Portugal has more indigenous grape varieties than any other country. Unfamiliar grape names may puzzle newcomers , but the wonderful flavours are one of the things that attracts us to these exceptional wines. It is estimated that there maybe anything from 250 to 500 unique grapes but you will probably only come across about 20, even in some of the most adventurous blends.
Some of the grapes are the same as found in Spain but with different names - Aragonez is Tempranillo, Alvarinho is Albarino and to confuse you even more the same grape may have different name in different regions! Finally, of course Portugal also grows 'international grapes' such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Syrah and Chardonnay. These are used (mostly in blends with indigenous varieties) to produce VR (Vinho Regional ) wines which can be very exciting.
Some of the grapes you will find in our wines are:-
WHITE GRAPES
Alvarinho Best known for Vinho Verde wine, the Alvarinho grape is mostly grown in the Minho region, but is also now used in some other more southerly regions. It is a fairly low yield grape with a thick skin. It produces medium to full bodied dry, crisp aromatic wines with a note of peach, citrus fruits, apple and wheat on the nose.
Antao Vaz Good, acid-retaining white grapes from the Alentejo, which can be made into an early-picked, crisp white, or barrel fermented for a rich, full bodied result. Often used in blends with Roupeiro or Arinto
Arinto Widely grown from northern to central Portugal, Arinto reigns supreme in Bucelas, producing dry, tangy wines with refreshing acidity, plenty of citrus fruit, some apple and mineral aromas. Also known as Pederna in the Vinho Verde region.
Fernao Pires A very versitile white grape used for everything from sparkling wines in Bairrada to crisp, aromatic whites in Ribatejo and Setubal. Characterised by floral aromas, citrus notes and moderate acidity. Known as Maria Gomes in Bairrada.
Loureiro Along with Alvarinho, Loureiro is one of the two great white grapes of the Minho, and makes some of the best Vinho Verdes. It has fresh, musky, grapy. lemon, floral aromas with good acidity
Moscatel Mainly grown in the Setubal peninsular where it is used for the delicious fortified Moscatel do Setubal. It is grown elsewhere to produce light white wines with grapy-flowery fragrance.
Siria Grown in a number of areas with a different name in each! In the Duoro it is Codega and is used for fine white Port: in the southern Alentejo it is Roupeiro producing honeyed whites: in the northern Alentejo it is Alva: and in the Beira it is Siria producing big, full bodied wines.
RED GRAPES
Aragonez Known as Tinta Roriz in Northern Portugal, where it is one of the 'big 5' varieties for Port., this red grape is also widely grown in the Alentejo. A highly regarded variety, rich in tannins that produces fruity, dark, aromatic wines. which respond well to ageing in oak.
Alicante Boushet Originally from the South of France it is one of a small number of grapes with red flesh and contributes to colour in red wines. It used to be an important component of Alentejo red blends, and after falling out of fashion it is now making a strong comeback , with its intense 'treacly' flavours.
Castelao One of the most widely planted red grapes in Southern Portugal, dominating vineyards in the Setubal. Young wines from this grape often have notes of raspberry and redcurrant, maturing with time to develop a warmer, smoother more tarry character.
Touriga Nacional. One of Portugal's most prestigious grape varieties. Long used as the backbone of Port, growers throughout the country have discovered its amazing potential for red table wines. The grapes are small with a high concentration of sweetness, aroma, tannins and colour. Resulting wines are often aromatic, bursting with dark berry fruits, yet often with floral notes of violets, eucalyptus and herbs on the nose, plus the potential to age extremely well.
Trincadeira One of the most widespread red grapes also known as Tinta Amarela in the Duoro. It is one of the oldest and most traditional Alentejo varieties, whose arid conditions produce rich and powerful reds with blackcurrant fruit, wild flowers and green herb notes
