Portugal has hundreds of grape varieties. Here are some of
the most popular in Alentejo.
 |
| Beja, Alentejo |
Reds
The majority of Alentejo wines are blends of different local
grape varieties. Here are a few favourites.
Touriga nacional
This highly-regarded blue-black grape used in the making of port is now being used in dry red wines. It is laced with blackberries and plums with a hint of bergamont. Gives structure and texture to a wine. It zings with strong tannins and has plenty of acidity. Increasingly being planted in Alentejo.
This highly-regarded blue-black grape used in the making of port is now being used in dry red wines. It is laced with blackberries and plums with a hint of bergamont. Gives structure and texture to a wine. It zings with strong tannins and has plenty of acidity. Increasingly being planted in Alentejo.
Trincadeira,
Bursting with rich raspberry flavours with the right amount of acidity. On the nose it is quite vegetal.
Bursting with rich raspberry flavours with the right amount of acidity. On the nose it is quite vegetal.
Aragonez
Think plums, strawberries and blackberries with a hint of pepper. It adds richness and complexity to a wine.
Think plums, strawberries and blackberries with a hint of pepper. It adds richness and complexity to a wine.
Castelão
Spiced with tangs of redcurrants and plums, it produces structured wines with plenty of tannin and acidity.
Spiced with tangs of redcurrants and plums, it produces structured wines with plenty of tannin and acidity.
Alicante Bouschet
A black, inky grape with herbaceous and red fruit aromas that gives plenty of oomph to a blend.
A black, inky grape with herbaceous and red fruit aromas that gives plenty of oomph to a blend.
Alfrocheiro
From the north of Portugal, this grape is increasingly being planted in this region. Oozing red berry flavours, has a good balance of tannins and acidity.
From the north of Portugal, this grape is increasingly being planted in this region. Oozing red berry flavours, has a good balance of tannins and acidity.
White
Antão Vaz
One of Alentejo’s main grapes. Brimming with tropical fruits with an injection of citrus. Works well in a blend to give the right amount of acidity.
One of Alentejo’s main grapes. Brimming with tropical fruits with an injection of citrus. Works well in a blend to give the right amount of acidity.
Arinto
A melange of lime, lemon and green apple, tinged with vegetal aromas. This sharp citrus-flavoured grape is high in acidity and is frequently added to blends.
A melange of lime, lemon and green apple, tinged with vegetal aromas. This sharp citrus-flavoured grape is high in acidity and is frequently added to blends.
Roupeiro
Delicately floral and fruity, this wine has overtones of citrus, peach and melon and is rather elegant.
Delicately floral and fruity, this wine has overtones of citrus, peach and melon and is rather elegant.
By Daralyn Danns
I will be taking a look at some Portuguese wines from the
Alentejo in another post.
Getting there
TAP Portugal (0845 601 0932, www.flytap.com) flies from
Manchester, London Heathrow and Gatwick to Lisbon up to 9 times a day. Return
fares start at £116 including all taxes and surcharges. I’m a fan of this
airline. A friendly crew that delivers good service
I stayed at the Pousada de São Francisco, Beja, Largo D. Nuno Álvares Pereira
7801-901, Beja, tel: (+351) 284 313 580
Double rooms including breakfast from €90
For more info and special promotional rates visit www.pousadas.pt
Where history and the present collide. Staying here is a wonderful experience
7801-901, Beja, tel: (+351) 284 313 580
Double rooms including breakfast from €90
For more info and special promotional rates visit www.pousadas.pt
Where history and the present collide. Staying here is a wonderful experience
For more info on
Alentejo visit Turismo do Alentejo, www.visitalentejo.pt/en
For more info on Portugal visit visitportugal.com/en
