Portugal

Winemaking in Portugal goes back nearly 2,000 years. The country enjoys a wealth of quality native grapes and produces wine throughout most of the country. While Port and Madeira have long enjoyed a worldwide reputation, Portugal’s rich diversity of robust reds and crisp, dry whites are becoming increasingly popular.

In the country’s northwest coastal area they produce a lively and light Vinho Verde, this means “green” or young wine. It is a perfect Summer wine, often boasting a light bubbly spritz. Other whites include various Brancos or Lagrima, made from a variety of native grapes. The reds range from the delicate and complex Alfrocheiro grape to the delightful Periquita grape.

The indigenous grapes from the Douro Valley, like Touriga Nacional and Bago, can produce more robust reds. International varieties Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet are usually found south of the Douro, closer to Lisbon. Regions like the Dao, Alentejo, Ribatejo, Estremadura and Bairrada, where Mateus is located, are becoming increasingly available, especially on MadWine’s site.


Red Wines		White Wines