| Portugal is one of the world’s best known | | | | Portugal. Other wines and regions to look out for |
| wine producers – however it is not generally | | | | are: Douro; Dao; Bairrada; and Alentejo. |
| known for its table wine. It is famed for the | | | | Douro wines come from the same region as Port |
| fortified wines that are produced in the Porto and | | | | wines and have a similar background. Traditionally |
| Madeira areas. Porto is where port wine is | | | | these were a bitter tasting wine but have been |
| produced and Madeira is where, surprise, surprise | | | | developed into a table wine which has port |
| madeira wine is produced. These after dinner | | | | overtones making it great with meat and game |
| treats are the classics that have put Portugal on | | | | dishes. |
| the wine map. | | | | Dao wine is produced in a mountainous region |
| However when it comes to wine the country | | | | which has a temperate climate and is therefore |
| should not be dismissed or known solely for these | | | | conducive to viticulture. The mountains protect |
| drinks. Portugal is also the producer of some fine | | | | the vines from extreme conditions and the |
| table wine. Unfortunately it is also some what | | | | resulting wine is fruity and some think this is the |
| tainted by the thought of Mateus Rose, however | | | | best table wine from Portugal. |
| this is by no means representative of the wines | | | | Bairrada wine is produced in a region where the |
| that are produced in Portugal. In fact Portugal is | | | | soil is predominantly clay. Exposed to the sunshine |
| the seventh largest exporter of wine in the world | | | | the grapes are allowed to mature and hence the |
| by value. | | | | wines from this region are much more full bodied |
| Vinho Verde is probably the wine form Portugal | | | | than those from Vinho Verde. |
| that most people are familiar with. It is produced | | | | Alentejo is the southern region of Portugal that |
| from grapes that contain a small amount of sugar | | | | produces wine. This is one of the most popular |
| and therefore the resulting drink does not require | | | | wines amongst the Portuguese themselves and is |
| ageing. It is traditionally seen as a digestif. The | | | | a high quality wine. The white is a fruity little |
| wines are in fact light in alcohol content and slightly | | | | number whilst the red is a little more acidic. |
| gassy in their taste making them a refreshing | | | | For a great range of Portuguese wines, or just to |
| drink which goes well with all fish dishes but is | | | | browse wine in general, it is a good idea to consult |
| especially good with seafood. Due to the fact that | | | | an independent online wine retailer. You can |
| the grapes have little sugar in them the wines are | | | | browse wines in your chosen price range, and you |
| best drunk whilst still young. | | | | can research before you buy. |
| But these are not the only wines to come out of | | | | |