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ortugal is
one of the most renowned
produc-
ers of
wine in
the
world, but
its reputa-
tion is based
not on table
wine, but
on the forti-
fied wines
of Port
and, less so,
Madeira. But Por-
tugal also produces
a few excellent table
wines, particularly in
the north of the coun-
try. There is an eclectic
mix of grape varieties,
and undoubtedly the
leader of the pack is
the Touriga Nacion-
al. This grape is the
basis
for
fine Ports and the red wines of
the Douro, as well as having an
increasing presence in many other
regions.
The regions are classified, as
they are in many other European
wine-producing nations, so that
appropriate regulations may be
laid down. The main regions are
referred to as Denominaçâo de
Origem Controlada (DOC).
Northern Portugal
In the north is the Douro DOC, sit-
uated around the river of the same
name. The Douro enters Portugal
from Spain, where it is known as
the Duero, and is home to the vine-
yards of the Ribera del Duero. Full
bodied, meaty, complex reds can
be produced here.
My top wines: Quinta do Crasto
(especially the Touriga Nacional
and Reserva), Redoma, Barca
Velha, Quinta do Côtto.
Nearby is Dâo, very much an
up and coming region for good
value, full bodied reds, and even
a few white wines. Wines from
single quinta estates are, as al-
ways, likely to be of higher quality.
My top wines: Quinta Fonte do
Ouro, Quinta dos Roques, Quinta
de Saes, Quinta das Maias, Porta
dos Cavalheiros.
Also nearby is Bairrada, another
DOC producing a few good
value red wines, although they
are of less significance than those
coming from the Douro and Dão.
Bairrada has the dubious honour
of being one of the main sources
of grapes for Mateus Rosé, a
P