18 | Portugal River Voyage Guide
Winemaking has existed on the Iberian
Peninsula for thousands of years, and while
its neighbouring countries are famed for their
stellar production with the likes of Bordeaux
and Rioja being household names, Portugal as
a wine region is oft-overlooked as a producer of
reds, whites and roses.
But Portugal certainly packs a punch, with
13 different wine regions boasting an array
of climates, soils and altitudes, each region
offering something unique to enthuse any
oenophile. The first vineyards were cultivated
here around 2,000 BC. Over the arch of history,
the vast mix of settlers who have moved into
this part of the world—from the Greeks to the
Phoenicians—have brought with them varying
techniques, skill and all kinds of grapes. So
partial were the Romans to the Portuguese
grape they named the land after the son of the
Roman god of wine, Bacchus and did much to
further and expand viticulture in Portugal. The
Romans are to be thanked for one of Portugal's
greatest wine regions, having established
vineyards along the Douro, where the river is
flanked by cascading vines that tumble almost
to the water's edge.
Jump forward a few centuries and Portugal's
vineyards played a large role quenching the
thirst of the English, who were on the look-out
for an alternative market to France, given the
resentful political fall-out. The English found
and fell in love with port—the drink so closely
DOURO VA LLE Y
From full-bodied reds to fresh vinho verdes, to the sweet taste of
fortified port, Oonagh Turner raises a glass to Portugal's wine regions
WINE LIST
