Say ‘saúde!’... that’s cheers in Portuguese

PORTUGAL has a tradition of winemaking dating back at least 2,000 years with a rich heritage of indigenous grape varieties. Regions are subject to Atlantic, Mediterranean and continental weather systems thanks to its geography, giving it a wonderfully varied climate. Its best-known wines areVinhoVerde and Port.VinhoVerde (“green wine”) comes from the lush wet northwest region of Minho. Low in alcohol with crisp acidity and lively fruit flavours, it’s one of the most refreshing dry whites. Port is a fortified wine produced in the DouroValley in the north. Although there are dry, semi-dry and white varieties, it’s typically a sweet red wine aged in oak and/or bottle.

However, like Spain, Portugal has been undergoing a quiet revolution in the last 20 or so years. Better winemaking techniques and the rise of smaller boutique wineries (quintas) mean Portuguese table wines are now cleaner, softer and more appealing.Winemakers have tended to stick with indigenous varieties (more than 250) rather than plant international grapes. So its good news if you’re looking for a change from the standard international grape varieties.

If you include the islands of Madeira and the Azores, Portugal has 13 wine regions. Most important are the Douro Valley (now producing robust reds in addition to Port); Minho; Alentejo whose hot Mediterranean climate yields easy-drinking red wines; Dão where grapes grow at higher altitudes producing rich, structured wines with good acidity; and Lisboa which runs from Lisbon north along the coast.

Portugal’s wines are great value for money. So say “saúde” – Portuguese for “cheers” – and raise a toast.