Alentejo wines: buy variety and character from southern Portugal
The Alentejo wine region at a glance
The Alentejo region covers a third of Portugal's land area and lies south of the Tagus River. With its rolling hills, wide plains and characteristic cork oak forests, the region offers ideal conditions for winegrowing. The Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters favours the ripening of the grapes and gives the wines their typical expressiveness. The region borders the Atlantic Ocean to the west and Spain to the east, which has a significant influence on the climatic conditions and wine production.
History and development of viticulture
The tradition of winegrowing in the Alentejo dates back to Roman times. The first winegrowing practices in the Alentejo date back to the 12th century BC. Over the centuries, various cultures have shaped winegrowing, including the Phoenicians and Moors. During the Salazar dictatorship, grain cultivation was favoured, plunging winegrowing into crisis. In recent decades, the region has experienced a revival, with modern techniques and a focus on quality bringing Alentejo wines to international prominence. After Portugal opened up to Europe in the 20th century, old grape varieties returned and international wine varieties influenced the region.
Grape varieties and wine styles in the Alentejo
Alicante Bouschet – The powerful red grape variety
Alicante Bouschet is one of the most distinctive grape varieties in the Alentejo. It is characterised by its deep dark colour and intense aromas of dark fruits, spices and chocolate. Alicante Bouschet thrives particularly well on the barren slate and granite soils of the Alentejo. This variety gives the region's red wines their structure and depth.
Antão Vaz – The elegant white grape variety
Antão Vaz is the leading white grape variety in the Alentejo. It produces fresh, aromatic wines with notes of citrus fruits, tropical aromas and balanced acidity. Antão Vaz is suitable for ageing in both stainless steel tanks and wooden barrels. Roupeiro also plays an important role in the blending of white wines in the Alentejo, as this grape variety is often used by many winegrowers in the region.
Other important grape varieties
In addition to Alicante Bouschet and Antão Vaz, Aragonez (Tempranillo), Trincadeira and Touriga Nacional are also important grape varieties in the Alentejo. International varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah complement the range and allow for diverse cuvées. The Alfrocheiro and Chardonnay grape varieties also play an important role in wine production in the Alentejo, as they emphasise the diversity of the wines and their adaptability to the region's climate.
Wine and food – harmonious combinations with Alentejo wines
Red wines and hearty dishes
The full-bodied red wines from Alicante Bouschet and Aragonez go well with grilled meat, game dishes and spicy stews. The tannins and fruity depth of the wines complement the flavours of lamb, beef and pork perfectly. The region's indigenous grape varieties produce unique wines that thrive on the poor soils of the Alentejo and underline the diversity and quality of the wines.
White wines and light dishes
Wines from Antão Vaz are excellent with fish, seafood and fresh salads. Their lively acidity and fruity notes highlight the delicacy of dishes with white meat or vegetarian dishes.
Cheese and Alentejo wines
The diversity of Alentejo wines also allows for exciting combinations with cheese. Soft cheeses go well with fresh white wines, while mature hard cheeses are complemented by the structure of red wines. The region is known for its diverse crops, which thrive on the barren soils and produce unique wines. The core area in the northern part of the Alentejo offers the best conditions for winegrowing, with warm days and cool nights that are ideal for producing various types of red wine.
FAQ about Alentejo wines
What makes Alentejo wines special?
Alentejo wines are known for their fruitiness, balance and the combination of tradition and modernity in winemaking. The warmer climate of the Alentejo compared to the cooler climate in the north has a significant influence on wine production. In addition, the region borders Spain to the east, which brings historical and cultural influences to the wine culture and viticulture.
Which grape varieties are typical of the Alentejo?
Typical grape varieties are Alicante Bouschet, Antão Vaz, Aragonez, Trincadeira and Touriga Nacional. Granja Amareleja is one of the sub-regions where traditional grape varieties are grown. Vidigueira is another important sub-region known for its high-quality wines made from traditional grape varieties.
What is the climate like in Alentejo?
The climate is Mediterranean with hot summers and mild winters, ideal for wine growing. The region's barren slate and granite soils provide optimal conditions for growing indigenous grape varieties such as Castelão and Moreto.
What foods go well with Alentejo wines?
Red wines go well with meat dishes and stews, while white wines are ideal with fish, seafood and light dishes. Évora is one of the subregions known for producing DOC wines. Borba is another important subregion that produces quality-controlled wines from traditional grape varieties.
Are Alentejo wines suitable for ageing?
Many Alentejo wines, especially the reds, have good ageing potential and develop additional complexity over time. The climatic conditions in Portalegre contribute to the wines' ageing potential. Important winemakers in the Alentejo who specialise in indigenous grape varieties play a decisive role in the production of these age-worthy wines.