see other newsletters | PT version
Grape varieties are one of the factors which contribute to the expression and character of Portuguese wines. They may be wisely combined to originate complex and diversified nectars, or used alone to produce a varietal wine that expresses all of the personality and subtlety of each grape variety. Get acquainted with the recommended grape varieties for each Portuguese wine-growing region.
Recommended White Varieties
Antão Vaz
This variety originates very aromatic citrus coloured wines in which notes of tropical fruits are predominant.
Grown in: Alentejo
Bical (aka Borrado das Moscas)
Wines made from this variety are very aromatic, fresh and well structured. The Bical variety is also used in the Bairrada region in the production of sparkling wine.
Grown in: Bairrada, Dão and Beiras
Cercial
This grape variety provides wines with delicate aromas and high acidity.
Grown in: Douro, Bairrada, Dão Beiras and Madeira
Encruzado
This grape variety originates very aromatic, intense flavoured wines of great longevity. In the Dão region it is considered to be the best white variety.
Grown in: Dão.
Fernão Pires (aka Maria Gomes)
This variety originates wines with good alcohol content and low acidity, rich in intense floral aromas. It is one of the most widely grown varieties in Portugal.
Grown in: Trás-os-Montes, Bairrada, Beiras, Estremadura, Ribatejo, Setúbal Peninsula and Azores
Fonte Cal
Wines produced from this grape variety have floral and fruity aromas, good acidity and well-structured flavour.
Grown in: Beiras.
Malvasia Fina
This variety originates moderately acidic wines with delicate and not very complex aromas and flavour. It is grown throughout Portugal.
Grown in: Trás-os-Montes, Douro, Dão, Beiras, Estremadura, Algarve, Madeira and Azores
Moscatel
It is believed that this grape variety is originally Oriental and that it has been brought to Portugal by the Romans. The generous wines Moscatel de Setúbal (Moscatel Graúdo) and Moscatel de Favaios (Moscatel Galego Branco) are the most widely known wines made from this variety, which originates very aromatic and complex nectars.
Grown in: Setúbal Peninsula and Douro
Rabo de Ovelha (aka Rabigato)
This grape variety provides wines with a high alcohol content, good longevity and high acidity. Its aromas are discrete, with floral, vegetal and even mineral notes.
Grown in: Trás-os-Montes, Douro, Bairrada, Beiras, Estremadura, Ribatejo and Alentejo
Síria (aka Roupeiro)
This grape variety must be planted in cool high lands for it to achieve its full potential. When it is grown thus, wines are delicate, fresh and elegant.
Grown in: Trás-os-Montes, Douro, Beiras, Setúbal Peninsula, Alentejo and Algarve
Terrantez (aka Folgasão)
This is a rare but noble variety for the production of Madeira wine. It originates perfumed, full-bodied wines with a persistent flavour.
Grown in: Madeira and Azores
Verdelho (aka Gouveio)
This variety became famous for its use in the production of generous Madeira wine. Wines made from this variety are very aromatic and balanced. In the case of Madeira wine, its aromas are very delicate.
Grown in: Trás-os-Montes, Douro, Madeira and Azores
Viosinho
The Viosinho grape variety is advised for the production of Port and table wines, originating well-structured, fresh nectars with complex floral aromas, which usually age well.
Grown in: Trás-os-Montes and Douro.
Recommended Red Varieties
Alfrocheiro
This is considered to be one of the highest quality grape varieties. It originates very intense colour wines with floral, wild fruit and spice aromas.
Grown in: Bairrada, Dão, Ribatejo and Alentejo
Aragonez (aka Tinta Roriz)
One of the most well known and most grown varieties in Portugal, due to its adaptability to different soils and climates. It originates wines which are high in alcohol content, low in acidity and age well.
Grown in: Trás-os-Montes, Douro, Dão, Beiras, Estremadura, Ribatejo and Alentejo
Baga
When grown in ideal conditions for good maturing, this variety originates dark wines with concentrated aromas that age well in the bottle for many years.
Grown in: Bairrada and Ribatejo
Castelão (aka Periquita)
This variety thrives in warm climates and dry soils, where it reaches its full potential. It originates concentrated nectars with intense raspberry and redcurrant flavours, which age well.
Grown in: Estremadura, Ribatejo, Setúbal Peninsula and Algarve
Jaen
This variety produces wine which is intense in colour, low in acidity and has intense red fruits aromas.
Grown in: Bairrada and Dão.
Moreto
This is a very productive variety which originates light-bodied wines with little colour. It is usually bunched with varieties such as Trincadeira, Aragonez and Tinta Caiada.
Grown in: Alentejo.
Moscatel Galego Roxo
This variety originates a generous wine, similar to Moscatel de Setúbal, but with more complex aromas and flavours. It is known for its high sweetness, intense aroma and persistent flavour.
Grown in: Setúbal Peninsula
Ramisco
This variety has a very peculiar and laborious growing method and is therefore rare. Wines made from it have a relatively low alcohol content, high acidity and intense tannins.
Grown in: Estremadura (Colares).
Rufete (aka Tinta Pinheira)
Despite not being known for the production of high quality wine, this variety may sometimes provide a good body and intense aromas, ageing well in the bottle.
Grown in: Douro, Bairrada, Dão and Beiras
Tinta Barroca
This variety originates wines with high alcohol content and is used for the production of Port. Wines derived from it have smooth tannins, which, however, are not known for their concentration and balance.
Grown in: Douro
Tinta Caiada
Hot, dry climates are optimal for this variety, which originates wines intense in colour, with good acidity and ripe fruit and vegetal aromas.
Grown in: Alentejo
Tinta Negra (aka Negra Mole)
This is the most widely grown variety in Madeira and it originates a very sweet red wine.
Grown in: Madeira and Algarve.
Tinto Cão
This is a variety which is widely used in the production of Port. It originates, however, table wines with heavy colour and delicate and floral aromas.
Grown in: Douro and Dão
Touriga Franca
Wines produced from this variety have an intense colour and are very fruity in flavour.
Grown in: Trás-os-Montes, Douro and Beiras
Touriga Nacional
This is perhaps the noblest red variety in Portugal and its cultivation is expanding rapidly. It originates full-bodied wines of good alcohol content with intense, highly complex flavours and noble tannins which age very well.
Grown in: Trás-os-Montes, Douro, Bairrada, Dão, Beiras, Estremadura, Ribatejo and Alentejo
Trincadeira (aka Tinta Amarela)
Wines produced with this variety are rich in colour, have fruity and vegetal aromas, are slightly alcoholic and age well.
Grown in: Trás-os-Montes, Douro, Estremadura, Ribatejo, Setúbal Peninsula and Alentejo.
» Grape varieties are grouped according to the colour of the grapes' skin: white, red and rose.
» Around 166 red varieties, 152 white varieties and 23 rose varieties are grown in Portugal.
