In the far north east of Portugal, north of the Douro region, one finds the
wine region of Trás-os-Montes, which is divided into four sub-regions: Chaves,
Valpaços, Varosa and Planalto Mirandês. The name Trás-os-Montes (“behind the
hills”) refers to the region’s location: beyond the Marão and Alvão mountain
ranges, north of the river Douro.
It is an area of mountains and granite soils.
The climate is dry and very hot in summer, but temperatures go below 0ºC in
winter.
The range of wines from the Trás os Montes is as diverse as the
landscapes.
The region produces the whole range of wines from somewhat stringent
and very alcoholic red to light sparkling or semi-sweet floral
whites.
Appellation
• Trás os Montes DOC
The region is divided into four sub regions:
• IPR Chaves
This area has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic period.
The two municipalities included are Chaves and Vila Pouca de Aguiar.
The best vineyards are in the area of Ribeira de Oura on the slopes of the River
Tamega.
The region is also famous for its Spa waters. The red wine is firm and dry with
some body.
• IPR Planalto Mirandes
Bordered on the east by Spain it covers the area of the upper part of the River
Douro taking in the municipalities of Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Miranda do
Douro, Moncorvo, Mogadoura and Vimioso.
Some of the inhabitants of the area speak in a strange dialect called
"Mirandês".
The upper section of the river is now a Nature Reserve.
The red wine is light, nicely palatable and ages well.
The white wine is lively, fresh, and a slight petulance.
• IPR Valpaços
The area lends itself to be described as a plateau with very cold winters and
warm dry summers.
The towns covered are Macedo de Cavalheiras, Mirandela, Murça, Valpaços and
Vinhas.
Its red wines are light, fruity in aroma and dry, often taken as a companion to
a special cake from the region known as "Folar"
• IPR Varosa
An area that covers the municipalities of Armamar, Lamego and Tarouca, with
attractive terraced vineyards forming large country estates.
The red wine is ruby, fresh and fruity, whilst the white is crisp, somewhat
sharp and with acidity.
• Vinho Regional (VR) Transmontano
Those wines of good quality from the Trás os Montes that don't adhere to the
stringent DOC restraints or outside the designated areas
Main local grapes
Boal Branco -
Côdiga de Larinho -
Malvasia Fina Malvasia Fina is essentially grown in the interior north of
Portugal, in the Douro region and sb-region of Távora-Varosa.
However, it is also grown in Portalegre (where it is known as Arinto Galego),
Dâo (where it goes by the name of Assario Branco) and in Madeira (where it is
called Boal).
As this grape variety doesn’t tolerate very high temperatures it is necessary to
study the ideal time for harvesting, in order to avoid deteriorating the
berries.
It is particularly sensitive to rottenness and some vine diseases and pests,
such as powdery mildew.
Malvasia Fina produces moderate acidity wines, with delicate and not very
complex aromas and flavours.
This grape variety is regularly produced and has medium-sized bunches and
berries.
Síria Síria is grown in the interior of Portugal. It has been the most planted
white grape variety in the Alentejo region, where it is known as Roupeiro.
However, Alentejo’s high temperatures were not beneficial to Síria: the wines
weren’t fresh, didn’t have good acidity and would quickly loose their aromas.
Therefore, this grape variety started being produced in the higher and cooler
lands of Beira Interior (namely Castelo Rodrigo) and Dão (where it is called
Alvadurão, Côdega or Crato Branco).
Síria is a very productive grape variety of small bunches and berries.
Though it is resistant to powdery and downy mildew, it is very sensitive to
rottenness.
Wines produced with this grape are delicate, fresh and elegant.
Tinta Roriz Growers all over Portugal agree on the quality of this grape, also
known as Agagonez.
It ripens early, it producers good yields of flavoursome wine reminiscent of red
fruits, strawberries and raspberries, with firm tannins.
Know as Tempranillo in Spain where its used in Rioja, Tinta Roriz responds well
to aging in oak.
Touriga Franca Definitely in the top trio of Douro grapes, and now planted
widely in the northern half of Portugal.
It may not have the structure of Touriga Nacional, but does have appealing
floral fragrances and velvety tannins, and can age well.
Nowadays you will find it in red wines as far south as the Setúbal Peninsula.
Touriga Nacional The most highly prized grape in the Douro and in Dão, and truly
a northener, this is such a star that plantings have now spread right down to
Alentejo and the Algarve.
As well as a firm, rich colour, its aroma is a really complex mixture of
raspberries and ripe blackcurrents, herbs, flowers and liquorice. It is
sometimes goes by the name of Preto Mortágua.
Trincadeira Trincadeira is a grape variety mostly grown in the Alentejo and
Douro regions (where it is called Tinta Amarela).
It has medium-sized, compact bunches and medium-sized, round berries. It is
sensitive to diseases and rottenness (if the berries get wet, they easily
rotten), therefore it develops best in dry and very hot climates.
The wines produced are rich in colour and aromas (fruity and vegetable),
slightly alcoholic and have good ageing potential.
