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Wine Regions

Alentejo

Located in the south of the country, Alentejo is one of the largest and most important wine regions in Portugal.

Alentejo
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Alentejo had a large Roman influence, which contributed to the plantation and creation of vineyards in different areas, and which, still today, can be seen in the dolmens, roman temples, castles, churches, and renaissance palaces.
Information
Alentejo has a predominantly Mediterranean climate - hot, dry and sunny, with large continental influence, which translates into unique conditions for the vineyard cultivation. The landscape is made up of wide plains and hills, with a predominance of clay, granite, limestone, and schist soil. 
Alentejo demarcated region is divided into eight sub-regions: Reguengos, Borba, Redondo, Vidigueira, Évora, Granja-Amareleja, Portalegre and Moura. It is also grouped in three poles: Portalegre, center and south Alentejo. 
In the Portalegre region the microclimate is influenced by the low temperatures of São Mamede Mountain, where the main vineyards of this region are planted on the steep mountain hillsides and on granite soils. 
In the centre of Alentejo are the sub-regions of Borba, Reguengos, Redondo and Évora. Borba is the second largest sub-region of Alentejo. Reguengos is one of the main sub-regions of Alentejo, with Reguengos de Monsaraz as its ex-libris, elected the European Wine City in 2015. 
In the south of Alentejo, hotter and drier, are the sub-regions of Moura, Vidigueira and Granja-Amareleja. 
In Alentejo, there are numerous grape varieties planted. The most important white grape varieties are: Roupeiro, Antão Vaz and Arinto, and the least important: Diagalves, Manteúdo, Perrum and Rabo de Ovelha. Regarding the red grape varieties, noticeably important are the Trincadeira, Aragonez, Castelão and Alicante Bouschet grape varieties and, to a lesser extent, Moreto, Tinta Caiada and Tinta Grossa. The Alentejo red wines are commonly intense, full-bodied, rich in tannins and with an aroma of wild berries and red fruits. The white wines are smooth, fresh, aromatic and with an aroma of tropical fruits. In addition to the production in the PDO sub-regions, Alentejo still presents a high production and variety of regional wine.
Wine Tourism
Wine Tourism
Alentejo is a wine region of great tradition, which combines its excellent wines with a referential tourist offer. The visits to the wineries and vineyards, the wine tasting and the great cuisine, or the rural accommodation are some examples.
In order to get to know the region's food and wine culture nothing better than visiting a winery, where you can learn about the whole process of winemaking, visit the facilities, the vineyards as well as taste the true nectar, accompanied by the local gastronomy delicacies. The region also provides a wide range of leisure activities related to wine, such as, the Festival of Vine and Wine, in Borba, which takes places every year in summer. Other places to visit are Redondo Wine Museum, where several aspects of Alentejo winemaking are displayed, or also the Alentejo Wine Route Tasting Room, in Évora, a World Heritage City.
The Alentejo Wine Route can be subdivided into three main routes: " São Mamede Route", "Historical Route" and "Guadiana Route". These routes enable you to experience all the richness of this wide and wonderful region. The "São Mamede Route", located in the area covered by the Natural Park of São Mamede Mountain, includes some of the most beautiful and typical Alentejo cities and villages, such as Portalegre, Marvão, Castelo de Vide, Alter do Chão or Sousel. The "Historical Route" is centred in Évora but also comprises the areas of Arraiolos, Estremoz, Borba, Vila Viçosa, Redondo and Monsaraz. At last, the "Guadiana Route" marked by the presence of the river with this very name and by the vast plains, ranging Mourão, Moura, Vidigueira, Alvito and Viana do Alentejo.
The Alentejo regional gastronomy is synonymous with flavour, intensity and passion, the açordas or bread soups, migas (cornbread dish), gazpacho, lamb stew, Alentejo pork meat with clams, or the purslane soup are some of the most prized dishes in this region. 
  • Portugal By Wine - Wine Tourism in Portugal
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