Where is the Douro?
‘The Douro’ is one of the most famous regions of Portugal. However, it might not be immediately recognisable unless you also know that this is the home region of ‘Port’. For many years, these luscious fortified wines were the only wines sold internationally from the region. Luckily for winelovers, this is no longer the case. After some hard discussions, the region’s winemakers have been making sure that wine drinkers know that the region produces fine table wines too. No longer is the region’s reputation solely resting on the fiery spirited Ports.
The heart of the Douro region is the river that gives the region its name. This river makes exploration a sensory experience. Anyone who has visits will find so much for the eyes to take in with the vineyards along the hot, stony steep banks. The river provides a vital link between the Douro wineries and the port at Oporto on the coast. In the past, Port was shipped along the river to the thriving port city. With the cooler ocean climate, the famous wines could mature slowly and gracefully while retaining their fresh appeal.
The main region of the Douro has three distinct sub-regions. Those are the regions – Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo and Douro Superior. Cima Corgo is said by winesofportugal to be the heartlands of Douro. It is here that some of the finest wines are produced. Particularly in vineyards surrounding the town of Pinhao. If you are after a leisurely trip to the Douro, it is a very easy cruise from Oporto to Pinhao.
The enduring legacy
The Douro Valley is certainly no stranger to Roman winemaking history. Those Romans spread their passion even here. Notably though, it is much later in history that the region captures the attention of English wine merchants and Port becomes so important. Even in the late 1400s, English families were part of the city of Oporto’s fabric and were sending wine to England.
By the time King Charles II prohibited the import of French wine, these merchant families were set to step in. Initially, the wines from Portugal were not the quality the English sought. However, they found the Douro wines to be more attractive. Vinho do Porto, of course became ‘Port’ by late 1600s.
The region quickly became so important that by 1756, it became recognised officially with regulated boundaries and winemaking techniques. At this time, Tokaji (Hungary) was only other region in the world with such regulations.
The grapes
Portugal has a wealth of native and indigenous grape varieties. And the Douro wine growers know few limits and have many of these growing in their vineyards. Did you know that there are more than 250 grape varieties considered native or endemic to Portugal? More than 80 grape varieties are allowed to be used in making Port under the current regulations alone!
Some of the most important wines grapes growing in the Douro region are ones that winelovers might know. Grape varieties such as Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Alvarinho (Albarino) and Moscatel (Muscat of Alexandria). However, there are varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinto Cao, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca and the white wine grapes Gouveio and Arinto that are very worthy of attention.
Perhaps the most important of the red native grapes is Touriga Nacional. There are other red grapes that are more common in Douro vineyards. However, Touriga Nacional has international importance. Winemakers across the world also love this wine, particularly those in countries with rich histories in producing Port style wines. It is a versatile grape that is still capable of great elegance when it grows in hot climates.
The grape’s thick skins gives rich colour and ripe tannins to shape any wine it produces. It is not a surprise then, that Touriga Nacional also adds the gift of cellarability to wines featuring the grape. Of course, this also means that is a grape that you will find in many red table wines from the Douro region.
For more information about Alvarinho (Albarino) please read here are some Quick Facts about Albarino
Food & Culture
The wines of the Douro will, of course, match a very wide variety of dishes. Some of the traditional food from the Douro include cured meats, olives and fish caught in the River, or that arrives on boards from Oporto. With the steepness of the surrounding area, and the nutrient poor soils it may be no surprise that goat is a common feature on the menu here.
What food matches the Port style wines? While a white Port served as an appetif will go remarkably well with olives and tapas style appetisers, the sweet red styles are a comforting match to desserts. Particularly chocolate and caramel desserts. Those Tawny Ports also work very well with figs (fresh, baked or dried) as well. Blue cheese is also a great match.
Don’t forget to ask in store for Douro wines recommendations! And don’t forget to like us on Facebook or instagram.
Love white wine? Here are some Quick Facts about Albarino
Comments are closed