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PORTUGAL
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The vineyards at Quinta de Porrais climb steep hillsides
The Quinta do Conde winery ensconced amidst vineyards
The main winemaking facilities are in the Alenquer
region, at Quinta da Boavista, situated about 45 minutes
from the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. This location
boasts over 500 hectares which are planted with various
varieties of grape, both native and international. In fact,
there are over 50 different varieties, a feature which is
almost exclusive to Casa Santos Lima. In terms of red
wine varieties, the company works with Alfrocheiro,
Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Camarate,
Castelão, Malbec, Merlot, Negra Mole, Petite Sirah,
Petit Verdot, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Preto Martinho,
Sousao, Syrah, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Lisboa, Tinta Roriz,
Tinto Cao, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional. It also
works with a fair number of white varieties: Alvarinho,
Antao Vaz, Arinto, Avesso, Chardonnay, Códega do
Larinho, Encruzado, Fernao Pires, Gewürztraminer,
Loureiro, Malvasia Fina, Moscatel, Rabigato, Roupeiro,
Sauvignon Blanc, Seara Nova, Trajadura, Verdelho,
Viognier, Viosinho and Vital.
These varieties are grown across 5 different regions, each
one with its own soil and climate patterns. Briefly, these
regions can be defined as below.
LISBON – ALENQUER: Here, vineyards are planted
on rolling hills. The soil is predominantly comprised
of clay and limestone and is gently influenced by the
Atlantic Ocean.
ALGARVE – TAVIRA: Influenced by the Mediterranean
climate, vineyards here grow on clay, limestone and
slate soils and enjoy a substantial amount of sunshine
(more than 3,000 hours a year).
ALENTEJO – BEJA: In this area, you will find the
perfect conditions for growing top-quality grapes. Clay
and limestone soils and a continental climate with a
Mediterranean influence are a match made in heaven
when it comes to producing the very best wines.
DOURO – MURÇA: Vineyards are planted around 600
metres above sea level in this region. These vineyards
previously belonged to Dona Antónia Ferreira… This
alone should tell you everything you need to know
about the quality of the wines produced here.
VINHOS VERDES – LOUSADA AND PONTE DE LIMA:
The wines that come from this region are crisp with
88 WINTER 2021 GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE