Modern viticulturists in most countries with moderate climates succumbed to the allure of world famous French grape varieties like chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, pinot noir, syrah just to name a few. Riesling is also popular, but much less, because of its specific terroir requirements. Portuguese growers […]
The good Cistercian monks at the Senhora do Conveto have been producing fine port wines for the past nine centuries for sustenance and to maintain the monastery financially. The impressive 12th century monastery still stands on a 150-hectare property overlooking 27 hectares of vineyards. Today the monks are long gone […]
Alentejo in southern Portugal is better known as a tourist region than wine production. A few farsighted businessmen decided to invest in an all-encompassing estate 30 years ago. They were guided by a simple philosophy – quality must reign supreme, all raw materials will originate on the property, and respect […]
In a world of increased standardization, Portugal shines like a beacon of individuality and independence. Portuguese wineries and winemakers always resisted a world-wide trend to plant “international” grapes like Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah, but a few young, experiment-happy individuals are gradually planting a […]
Vinho Verde Winemakers in the world famous valley of the Douro River take pride in producing stately Port wines, sweet libations in Setubal, deeply flavoured red in Alentejo, fruity and excellent food wine in Dao and light and fresh, delightful vinho verde wines from a region approximately 100 kilometres north […]
Coimbra, located half way between Lisbon and Oporto in the north, served as Portugal’s capital in the Middle Ages, but is better known for its university, one of the oldest in Europe. The city was invaded by Germanic tribes in 465 and then again three years later. Roman soldiers arrived […]
Quinta de Vargellas – Douro Valley Taylor’s Quinta de Vargellas is one of the most famous and beautiful of all in the 220 km long Douro Valley. The valley has three sub-regions – Baixa Corgo, Cima Corgo and Douro Superior. The latter yields, the quality of fruit yielding the most […]
Lisbon Lisbon ranks as one of the most charming and easy-going cities of Europe. This pastel port is set amid seven steep hills, against the backdrop of the cool blue of the Tagus River. Lisbon retains medieval vestiges, with narrow winding streets and ancient cathedrals, but it also has wide […]
