Northern Regions

Chaves   Valpacos   Tras-dos-Montes   Planalto Mirandes   Douro  

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CHAVES

In the upper reaches of the Tamega Valley, the Chaves region is famous for its cured hams (presunto), mineral waters and, increasingly, its wine.
The grape varieties planted in the region are similar to those in the Douro although at this altitude the wines tend to be lighter in style.

GRAPE VARIETIES
Red: Tinta Amarela, Bastardo, Tinta Carvalha
White: Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, Codega, Boal Min Alcohol: 11% / vol.

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VALPACOS

Vineyards on the upper reaches of the River Tua (a tributary of the Douro) produce firm flavoured reds and light, slightly sparkling roses. Grapes are similar to those permitted in the Douro immediately to the south.

GRAPE VARIETIES
Red: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Carvalha, Mourisco Tinto, Cornifesto, Bastardo
White: Codega, Fernao Fires, Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, Boal, Rabigato
Min Alcohol: Red 11.5% / vol. White: 11 % / vol.

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TRAS-DOS-MONTES

This large, remote region of north-east Portugal is locked in on one side by high mountains and on the other by the frontier with Spain. Four mountain ranges separate this high, barren country from the densely populated coastal belt earning it the name Tras-dos-Montes meaning 'Behind the Mountains'. Soils are mainly granite-based and the climate is extreme with progressively lower rainfall towards the east.

The region includes the schistous soils of the Douro Valley which has its own sub-division known as Terras Durienses. The principal grapes are similar to those of the Douro and foreign varieties; including Sauvignon, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Noir: are also permitted.

GRAPE VARIETIES
Red: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cao, Tinta Amarela, Mourisco Tinto, Bastrado
White: Gouveio, Viosinho, Rabigato, Malvasia Fina, Donzelinho
Min Alcohol: 10% / vol.

WINES
Red: vary from light and fruity at higher altitudes to the north and east to full and concentrated from warmer parts of the region to the south.
Rose: light and slightly sparkling.
White: light, simple and aromatic.

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PLANALTO MIRANDES

High in Tras-dos-Montes, this wild, dramatic country near the frontier with Spain produces big, solid reds. Grape varieties are similar to those of the Douro.

GRAPE VARIETIES
Red: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Amarela, Mourisco Tinto, Bastardo
White: Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, Rabigato, Viosinho

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DOURO

The Douro region, delimited for Port in 1756, was demarcated for the production of so called 'light', unfortified wines as recently as 1979. Since then a growing number of producers have been using a number of different grape varieties to make some exciting full flavoured reds and fresh dry white wines. Many of the best vineyards are in the cooler west of the region or on the higher slopes compared to the finest Port vineyards which tend to be situated in the heart of the Douro Valley upstream from the town of Regua.

GRAPE VARIETIES
Red: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cao, Tinta Amarela, Mourisco Tinto, Bastrado.
White: Gouveio, Viosinho, Rabigato, Malvasia Fina, Donzelinho.
Min Alcohol: 11% / vol.

WINES
Red: deep and dark with ripe aromas and full berry- fruit flavours. Intense and concentrated. Some of the best pick up a vanilla-like character from maturation in new oak.
White: crisp, fresh and fragrant with character and depth of flavour

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Designed and maintained by FLB Enterprises