With the Douro river in the background, workers carry a case of grapes to be used for the production of red wine during harvest at the Quinta da Boavista vineyard near Pinhao, northern Portugal, Wednesday, Sept. 11 2013. The estate is historically associated with British winemaker Baron Joseph James Forrester who first mapped the Douro wine region, the oldest demarcated region in the world dating from 1756. Overall, Portuguese wine exports posted a third year of growth in 2012, with a 7.1 percent rise.
(AP Photo/Armando Franca)
AP Photo/Armando Franca
Workers climb stone steps carrying cases with grapes to be used for the production of red wine during harvest at the Quinta da Boavista vineyard near Pinhao, northern Portugal, Wednesday, Sept. 11 2013. The estate is historically associated with British winemaker Baron Joseph James Forrester who first mapped the Douro wine region, the oldest demarcated region in the world dating from 1756. Overall, Portuguese wine exports posted a third year of growth in 2012, with a 7.1 percent rise.
(AP Photo/Armando Franca)
AP Photo/Armando Franca
Workers carry a case with grapes to be used for the production of white wine at the Quinta de Covela vineyard near Baiao, northern Portugal, Tuesday, Sept. 10 2013. Overall, Portuguese wine exports posted a third year of growth in 2012, with a 7.1 percent rise.
(AP Photo/Armando Franca)
AP Photo/Armando Franca
A worker carries a case with grapes to be used for the production of red wine during harvest at the Quinta da Boavista vineyard near Pinhao, northern Portugal, Wednesday, Sept. 11 2013. The estate is historically associated with British winemaker Baron Joseph James Forrester who first mapped the Douro wine region, the oldest demarcated region in the world dating from 1756. Overall, Portuguese wine exports posted a third year of growth in 2012, with a 7.1 percent rise.
(AP Photo/Armando Franca)
AP Photo/Armando Franca
A worker picks grapes to be used for the production of red wine during harvest at the Quinta da Boavista vineyard near Pinhao, northern Portugal, Wednesday, Sept. 11 2013. The estate is historically associated with British winemaker Baron Joseph James Forrester who first mapped the Douro wine region, the oldest demarcated region in the world dating from 1756. Overall, Portuguese wine exports posted a third year of growth in 2012, with a 7.1 percent rise.
(AP Photo/Armando Franca)
AP Photo/Armando Franca
In this photo taken Sept. 10 2013, a worker reaches through a vine to pick a bunch of grapes at the Quinta de Covela vineyard near Baiao, in northern Portugal\’s Minho wine region. The harvesting of wine grapes in northern Portugal\’s wine regions of Minho and Douro started this week. Overall, Portuguese wine exports posted a third year of growth in 2012, with a 7.1 percent rise.
(AP Photo/Armando Franca)
AP Photo/Armando Franca
In this photo taken Sept. 12 2013, workers connect a pump to bring grape juice to the cellar for the production of white wine at the Quinta de Covela vineyard near Baiao, in northern Portugal\’s Minho wine region. The harvesting of wine grapes in northern Portugal\’s wine regions of Minho and Douro started this week. Overall, Portuguese wine exports posted a third year of growth in 2012, with a 7.1 percent rise.
(AP Photo/Armando Franca)
AP Photo/Armando Franca
A worker picks grapes to be used for the production of white wine at the Quinta de Covela vineyard near Baiao, northern Portugal, Tuesday, Sept. 10 2013. Overall, Portuguese wine exports posted a third year of growth in 2012, with a 7.1 percent rise.
(AP Photo/Armando Franca)
WASHINGTON — Portugal, a thin strip of land roughly the size of Indiana, is located on the Iberian Peninsula in Western Europe. Spain literally wraps around the northern and eastern borders, while the cool Atlantic Ocean lies to the west. The temperate waters of the Gulf of Cadiz form the southern border.
Although grapes are grown throughout the country, the most notable wine-producing districts are located inland, away from the maritime influences of the Atlantic. The main red wine-producing region in the north is the Douro Valley, best known for growing Touriga Francesa and Touriga Nacional, the two main varietals found in Port wines.
South of Douro, toward the center of the country, is the Dâo region, known for making distinctive red wines from several grape varietals. On the south side of the Tagus River, which bisects the country on its way to Lisbon, is the bountiful wine region of Ribatejo. Further south, in succession, are the Alentejo and Algarve regions. These last three areas are where a new breed of winemakers is starting to push the envelope by experimenting with both traditional and international blends.
During a recent trip to Portugal, I had an opportunity to sample many delicious — and affordable — wines. Here are a few white wines, perfect for the impending heat of summer — and they’re available in the D.C. area.
The Dao wine region is definitely one of Portugal’s most up-and-coming regions and the 2014 Grao Vasco Dao White wine is one reason why.
Made from a blend of indigenous grape varietals (Bical, Cercial, Malvasia-Fina, and Encruzado), it exudes floral aromas of nectarine, apricot and steely minerals dominate the nose. In the mouth, the wine is delicate but offers up layered flavors of nectarine, orange blossom and citrus. Bracing acidity adds balance and appeal. $10
In Portuguese, Vinho Verde means “green wine,” but that is not a reference to its color, which is a brilliant yellow-white, but to its vivacious, youthful character.
The 2015 Vera Vinho Verde Branco from the Vinho Verde region is a fine example of this style. Made from a blend of native Portuguese grapes, Loureiro, Trajadura, and Pederna, with a little bit of Alvariñho, this Vinho Verde offers vibrant aromas and flavors of citrus, apples and white flowers, and finishes with notes of nectarine, pink and yellow grapefruit and a light, refreshing effervescent sparkle. $11
Alentejo is a well-known, highly respected wine region in eastern Portugal. This hot, dry area is best known for its red wines and cork production. But over the last few decades, the region has also been a key center of Portugal’s white wine renaissance.
The Esporao Reserva White from Alentejo is a prime example with an aroma featuring fresh white floral and tropical fruit scents on the nose. The palate offers flavors of pears, apples and the ever-present mineral notes. The medium finish is smooth and well-balanced with hints of passion fruit at the end. $13
The Douro wine region is tucked in the mountainous northeast of Portugal. Vines are grown on the steep, terraced hills that rise above the Douro River, producing grapes best known for classic fortified Port wines but it is also home to the 2015 Passagem White.
A mixed field blend of white port grapes made in a fresh and modern style, this wine has loads of citrus and mineral notes on the nose. The palate reveals rich, ripe nectarine and white peaches. The tight finish has just the right amount of acidity to pull off the fleshy fruit and classic flint flavors. An excellent value from this region. $20
