Port & Table Wine

Portugal is one of the most renowned producers of wine in the world, but its reputation is based not on table wine, but on the fortified wines of Port and, less so, Madeira. But Portugal also produces excellent table wines, particularly in the north of the country.

There is an eclectic mix of grape varieties, and undoubtedly the leader of the pack is the Touriga Nacional. 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.

Figueira da Foz is ideally located to benefit from a warm and sunny climate, whilst being close to the finest regions for wine production in Portugal. Great value wines bursting with fruit, flavour and body are frequently served up by the carafe in local cafes for peanuts - making a truly memorable lunch or dinner!

We can arrange wine and port tasting with a leading local wine expert who can also arrange wine-tasting visits to vineyards around Figeuira, He can also provide a sample of the excellent local cheeses and hams to maximise your experience and can arrange professional shipping of any wines that you would like to order or that you prefer not to carry home yourself.

 
Table wines from Portugal are frequently very good value, with a selection of producers that are turning out excellent wines. There are many such wines on offer and a tasting session is a good way to quickly discover the depth of quality that is available from astonishingly low-priced wines.

Port is basically wine fortified with brandy spirit. This is added prior to the natural cessation of fermentation, so the wine is always sweet, as the addition of the strong alcohol kills the yeast converting the sugar into alcohol (the process of fermentation). The eventual alcohol content is still high, however (typically 20%), thanks to the brandy that has been added. Most Port is red, although some firms also produce a small amount of white Port. The fortified wines of the Douro are unrivalled - they are much imitated, with similar styles emanating from the southern vineyards of France, California and Australia, but they are never equalled, and certainly not bettered.

A 'Vintage' is declared by each house indepedently and discussions are held for many years after to decide whether the declaration was valid - hence the declaration is taken very seriously and is usually a good indication of exceptional quality.

The regions are classified, as they are in many other European wine-producing nations, so that appropriate regulations may be laid down. Indeed the classification of the Douro region as a distinct and notable wine growing area was the first such classification in all of Europe. The main regions are referred to as Denominaçâo de Origem Controlada (DOC).

Douro DOC is situated situated in the North East 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 vineyards of the Ribera del Duero. Full bodied, meaty, complex reds can be produced here. Top wines inlcude 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 always, likely to be of higher quality. Top wines: Quinta Fonte do Ouro, Quinta dos Roques, Quinta de Saes, Quinta das Maias, Porta dos Cavalheiros.

Just to the north of Figueira is Bairrada, another DOC producing good value red wines, although they are less well known than those coming from the Douro and Dão. Top wines: include Quinta do Riberinho.