Portuguese wine is a little bit different than other European countries. The flavors and techniques are more mineral and wild than its more stolid cousins in France, Germany, and Italy. Most people probably associate the wine of Portugal with the Port wine (named for the city Porto) coming out of the Douro valley, but fortified wine isn't the whole picture. The country is full of incredible native grape varieties that aren't found anywhere else. Vinho Verde (which means "green wine") comes from the Minho province in the far north of the country and is mostly white wine, but red wine Vinho Verde's are on the rise. Vinho Verde's are light and fresh, and maintain high acidity by taking in the cooling winds from the Atlantic. Occasionally these wines become sparkling wines in the bottle as they make their way to restaurants and wine shops. While international grape varieties can be found here, they are few and far between. Seeing a Portuguese Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir varietal wine is an uncommon choice for a winemaker, but not unheard of.
What are the best Portuguese wines?
The main export for wine lovers is the fortified Port wine from the Douro in Northern Portugal. This sweet red dessert wine can be made from over 100 varieties, but only a few are commonly used. Touriga Nacional makes the best Port, but it is common to see Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo in Spanish), Tinto Cao, and Tinta Barroca as well. There are multiple types of Port, and the highest quality bottles will be labeled as Vintage Port or Ruby Port, Reserva, or Tawny. In a similar vein, Madeira comes from the autonomous island of the same name. There isn't a set flavor profile with so many different styles, per se, but most of these fortified wines will feature high tannins (that mellow over time), rich spices, and honey alongside black fruit flavors.
What are the most popular wine regions in Portugal?
Thankfully winemaking isn't limited to the Douro wine region, and varying wines of all different styles come from Alentejo in the South, around Lisbon in central Portugal, and on to the border of Spain. Portugal's people have a strong appetite for homemade table wines, but occasionally lesser-known varietal wines make it to the United States. Be on the lookout for the previously mentioned grapes as well as Castelão, Trincadeira, Baga, Roupeiro, and Arinto, as these are the most likely to make it out. One special wine to keep an eye out for is Alfrocheiro from the Dao region outside of Lisbon. Whatever Portuguese wine you choose, it is guaranteed to be interesting. Want to learn more about wine? Check out Wine School, where wine drinkers of all levels can learn more about their favorite wines.