A Beginner’s Guide to Portuguese Wine

Lisboa

The tiny region of Colares sits right along the Atlantic Ocean outside of the capital city, Lisbon. It is one of many DOCs in the Lisboa region, making some truly standout wines from the Ramisco grape. The vines snake along the sand dunes to protect themselves against the harsh ocean winds. The grapes that persevere this extreme environment are able to make wines that retain fresh acidity to balance with their high tannins. Add that to their tart red fruit and the ability to age well and these wines draw an apt comparison to Nebbiolo from Italy.

There are also lots of good bottles to be found among the regional wines, labeled Vinho Regional Lisboa. The whites, often made with the Arinto and Fernão Pires grapes, are generally crisp and aromatic, somewhat similar to Gruner Veltliner and Albariño.

The reds are often blends based on Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz and will remind you of your favorite Cabernet Sauvignon, with hints of blackberry, clove, and cedar. Casa Santos Lima offers a wide variety of wines that are an incredible value. One thing to note: this region used to be called ‘Estremadura’ and sometimes this name will still pop up in wine shops and on older bottles.

Prefer to taste before you buy? Book a wine tasting lisbon and try these local bottles straight from the source.

Know more about wine close to Lisbon here with this incredible experience