Douro Wines

History of wine in Douro

Wine has been produced in the Alto Douro Wine Region for more than two thousand years. During Roman times, vines were already cultivated on those extraordinary steep slopes with the Douro River (Douro) passing through. At one point, everything here involved struggle and violence, which has thankfully calmed down and changed over the years.

Douro was the first wine region to be demarcated and regulated in 1756 thanks to the Marquis of Pombal, which is a historical milestone for oenology and viticulture worldwide.

The area gained international fame thanks to the extraordinary Port wines, but the Douro is not limited to the production of fortified wines. This Portuguese region is now one of the most renowned denominations of origin in the country thanks to the high quality of its still wines.

The Douro also has one of the most amazing landscapes in the world. So much so that the Alto Douro was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world where you can experience the grandeur of a living, evolving, cultural landscape and enjoy its breathtaking beauty.

Douro grape varieties

It is common knowledge that Portugal is one of the countries with the most native grape varieties, at around 500. The Douro region is one of the richest in local varieties that grow together in old vineyards but are usually separated in modern plots. These varieties include: Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Cão, used especially in the production of Port wines.

The most common white varieties include: Arinto, Codega, Rabigato, Gouveio, Malvasía, Viosinho and Moscatel.

People have also started planting, especially in the upper Duoro Valley, varieties such as the red Cabernet Sauvignon and the white Sauvignon Blanc as well as Gewürztraminer.

Location, climate and soils

The Douro Wine Region is located in the northeast of Portugal and is surrounded by the Marão and Montemuro mountain ranges. It extends along the course of the Douro River through 13 municipalities, a route that stretches from the border with Spain to just beyond the city of Oporto, a total of 250 thousand hectares with about 40 thousand hectares of vineyards, two thirds of which are planted on the steep slopes that run along the course of the river and some of its tributaries.

The climate is temperate, with harsh winters, very hot summers and moderate rainfall.

The plots are mainly composed of schist soils but there is also some granitic material.

Viticulture in the Douro Wine Region is truly heroic. It is quite a sight to see the vineyards descending from the top of the mountains to the valleys that form the banks of the Douro River.

Classification and regions

The Douro is rich in microclimates due to its rugged terrain, and this is why the region is divided into three sub-regions:

Baixo Corgo, which is the coolest, rainiest and most fertile sub-region, thanks to the influence of the Serra do Marão.

Cima Corgo, the region at the heart of the Douro and home to many of the vineyards growing grapes to make Port wines, because grapes from this area develop a higher concentration of sugar.

Douro Superior, which is the largest and least rugged region of the Douro, where the climate is warmer and drier.

These three regions produce quality white, red and rosé wines, sparkling wines, fortified wines and liqueurs.

The best red wines produced in the Douro Valley are usually fruity and balanced in body, with aromas of fortified Port wines, accompanied by firm tannins and fresh acidity. On the other hand, their white wines, which start life in high altitude vineyards, are very fresh due to their sharp acidity that is balanced with the fruit.

As with the viticulture of fortified Port wines, the work required to grow vines in the Douro Valley is costly, but the care taken over harvesting in extreme situations, sorting and treating the fruit results in great quality wines.

In the Douro Wine Region there are two denominations of origin and one protected geographical indication: DOP Douro and DOP Porto and IGP Duriense.

Port wine should get a special mention, because it is an icon of the winemaking world and Portugal’s national treasure, known for its great variety of styles, high persistence of aromas, a wide range of intensities and sweetness, its high alcohol content and extraordinary longevity. These wines are, without doubt, gems of the winemaking world with 50% of vineyards in the Douro Wine Region dedicated to their production.

The other vineyards are used to produce high quality wines. In recent decades Portugal’s still wines have become more important and are increasingly well-known and sought after around the world.

Some outstanding wineries

Niepoort

A family winery with over 150 years of history. Five generations have worked to ensure that their excellent quality still and fortified wines are known throughout the world and they have succeeded! The winery is run by Dirk Niepoort, a well-known personality in the winemaking world and who has managed to demonstrate that Portugal is not just home to fortified wine. Niepoort, as well as producing great Port wines, is the creator of white and red wines that are a benchmark in his country, wines with inimitable personality and style.

Luís Seabra

This winery is named after its creator, a Portuguese winemaker who trained with Dirk Niepoort after 12 years working at the Niepoort winery. Luís Seabra was undoubtedly a good student, especially when it comes to making still wines that he creates in his own style. Reds and whites that honestly express the true face of the vineyard and Portuguese varieties. Authentic, refined and surprising wines that are worth trying.