Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro or Castelão. Have you ever heard of them? What about Encruzado, Bical or Antão Vaz? These are the names of some Portuguese grape varieties, which are just a fraction of the total number of Portuguese wine grapes.
Portugal has 343 grape varieties for wine production, and out of this, 250 are native. Such great diversity confirms Portugal as a country with a deep-rooted tradition of winemaking.
If you like Pinot Noir from Oregon, which is similar in complexity to the wines from Burgundy; silky and elegant, but with a more pronounced fruit flavor. Notes of cinnamon, clove, and vanilla from the oak barrels are usually present.
Then you'll like wines from warmer areas in Dão or from higher areas in Alentejo, like Portalegre. Deeply fresh style, revealing a wide range of gastronomic possibilities and great aging potential.
Manuel Moreira recommends:
If you are interested in learning more about the world's grape varieties, this book by Jancis Robinson is among the best resources available.
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