In which regions are schist and granite commonly found in Portugal?
Which regions in Portugal have more varied soils (clay, limestone, and sandy)?
These are wine regions further south and near the coast.
In Portugal, a great number of high-producing vineyards on the most fertile alluvial soils have been grubbed up since it joined the European Union in 1986 (particularly in Tejo and Vinho Verde).
What has been the focus of replanting?
Higher quality sites and planting material - it’s also been restricted to avoid surpluses.
Why has Alentejo seen significant investment and vineyard growth recently?
What two areas in Portugal are seeing the most notable climate change?
The majority of old bush vines in Portugal can be found in which areas?
How are the majority of vineyards trained in Portugal?
Pruned and trained to either cordon or replacement-cane, and VSP trellised.
Many of these newer vineyards are planted to one or two varieties, not a mixed ‘field blend’ the way old bush vine vineyards were planted.
How is irrigation applied in Portugal?
It is only to be used where lack of water could jeopardize quality; it cannot be used for boosting yields.
Most areas in Portugal now require irrigation in order to produce healthy grapes.
Most Portuguese wines are blends, but there are a few notable grapes commonly bottled as single varieties.
What are they?
What are the most planted red and white grape varieties in Portugal?
Red: Tinta Roriz/Aragonez (Tempranillo)
White: Maria Gomes/Fernão Pires
What five kinds of oak are used in Portugal?
Rising in popularity across Portugal is wines fermenting on the skins in clay amphorae, and there is a DOC in Alentejo that covers wines made only in this way.
What is the name of the DOC?
Vinho de Talha DOC (talha is the word for clay amphora).
Fill in the blank:
PDO status wines in Portugal use _____.
How many are there?
DOP/DOC – there are 31 in Portugal
Fill in the blank:
PGI status wines in Portugal use _____.
How many are there?
Vinho Regional (VR) – there are 14 in Portugal
VRs allow a wider selection of grape varieties, including international varieties.
Fill in the blank:
The word “Vinho” on a label of Portuguese wine means _____.
The wine is not of PDO or PGI status.
What is the biggest wine company in Portugal?
Sogrape
It’s a negociant that has acquired vineyards in a move to diversify, increase quality, and compete in non-traditional export markets.
What are the physical boundaries of Vinho Verde?
What is the Vinho Regional (VR, or IGP) of Vinho Verde?
Minho
Vinho Verde:
Because rain falls in Vinho Verde throughout the year, what problems does that pose?
Fungal disease pressure (rot and mildew).
How are modern vineyards planted in Vinho Verde?
Single or double Guyot (replacement-cane) with VSP, or lyre system.
All are trained relatively high from the ground to increase air circulation and reduce the chance of rot.
Name 3 techniques used in Vinho Verde vineyards to help reduce fungal disease pressure, improve air circulation, and enhance fruit ripening.
What are the 5 white grape varieties of Vinho Verde?
What is the most planted red grape variety in Vinho Verde?
Vinhão
(aka Sousão in the Douro and Sousón in Galicia)