Wineries in the Alentejo
In the south of Portugal you can enjoy the Alentejo, where the high number of sunny days and the temperature allow the grapes to ripen perfectly. The climate is markedly Mediterranean, although there are areas of continental microclimate. Average temperatures throughout the year are around 16ºC, but there are wide temperature variations, with cold winters and very hot, dry summers. Average rainfall varies between 500 and 800mm.
Although the Alentejo is essentially flat, the Portalegre region is more uneven, influenced by the Serra de São Mamede. The soils, which are not very fertile, have very different characteristics.
These characteristics were one of the reasons why the Phoenicians and Greeks brought various grape varieties to this region.
Later on, the Romans, in a more coordinated way, invested in growing vines and making wine.
From the 15th century onwards, the regions of the Alentejo that were recognized as producers of Alentejo wine were Évora, Beja, Cuba, Alvito, Viana and Vila de Frades, and the export of wines began.
In 1988, with the hard work of some institutions, the Alentejo was distinguished as an official wine region.
The connoisseurs of this nectar say that Alentejo wine is round, full, smooth, but with a strong aroma that urges you to taste it.
I suggest visiting several Alentejo wineries to taste DOC wines or more regional wines, with various grape varieties such as Roupeiro, Antão Vaz, Arinto, Trincadeira, Aragonez, Castelão, Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Chardonnay.
Diversity is what we find most in the Alentejo.
There's nothing like trying it to see for yourself!
Take the opportunity to visit some of the wineries mentioned below and why not have a picnic in the vineyards in the open air, to the sound of nature.
Adega de Borba / Quinta do Quetzal / Herdade João Portugal Ramos / Tapada dos Coelheiros / Herdade do Esporão / Herdade Mainova / Ervideira / Fita Preta / Herdade da Cartuxa / Herdade dos Grous / Adega Mayor / Herdade do Rocim
"Wine is the Blood of the Earth" (Plinio)
