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If you think Portuguese wine is just port, think again. This southern European country is brimming with spectacular and diverse wine regions that produce some of the world's best (and most underrated) wine. These are not your standard old world table wines. Wines of Portugal are as varied (with more than 250 native grape varieties), bold and inspiring as their many producers and grape-growing microclimates.
Take the distinctive vineyards within the largest Vinho Verde region for starters. It is here, amidst lush valleys and rivers, where fertile, acidic soil produces clear, refreshing white and sparkling wines. Who says fizz is just for special occasions? Wines of Portugal, from sparkling whites to unrivalled reds, are known for having an affordability that doesn't compromise quality.
Portugal has a long and rich history of producing wine (ahem, they've been in the game for 4,000 years), and a mix of traditional and unconventional vineyard practices can be found all over the country. From estate vineyards that have been around for generations to tiny wineries little larger than a humble backyard, no two wine producers are the same.
Travel along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and you'll find the rolling, gentle hills of Lisboa, one of the country's most popular and productive wine regions. While there are wines for every palate here, they have some of the freshest white wines known for their impeccable longevity.
The vines planted along steep slopes literally defy gravity
Among Lisboa's nine sub-regions, a new generation of winemakers combine tradition with innovative and contemporary techniques to create some of the most remarkable and unique wines. On the more rugged side, we have the Douro region, one of Portugal's wildest and most mountainous regions. The vines here, many planted along steep slopes, literally defy gravity.
This is the home of port wine, along with some exceptional dry red wines made from the same indigenous grapes. The breathtaking Douro region has been recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extreme beauty, and the wines are pretty impressive, too.
Sometimes, the most beautiful things are born from the most challenging conditions. From the volcanic soils of the extraordinary Açores (Azores) region to the sunshine-filled Mediterranean climate of the Algarve, Portugal is a treasure trove of both unusual and wonderful wines and grape varieties that you can't find anywhere else in the world. Get sipping already.
Discover wines of Portugal at lcbo.com and follow @WinesofPortugalCanada
Check out these awesome wines from Portugal
Your seafood dishes have met their perfect catch, ermm, match with this delightfully crisp white. Its mineral and citrus notes are fresh and pleasant. A perfect white from southern Portugal.
This is an inexpensive wine that's as fun and vibrant as the iconic Lisboa tram on its label. It's medium-bodied, dry red is ripe and juicy and pairs well with plenty of mains from pizza to steak.
Leave the complexity to the guest list, wine should be easy and fun, like this jammy red blend. As its name suggests, it's silky smooth with subtle spicy notes.
We love this quintessential red from Portugal's famous Douro Valley. It's dry, rich and medium-bodied — a.k.a. it's everything you want in a red. Expect flavours of black plum and chocolate.
