Estremadura

The wine region of Estremadura is classified as one of the nine Vinho Regional areas in Portugal  (along Minho, Trás-os-Montes, Beiras, Terras Madeirenses, Ribatejano, Alentejano, Terras do Sado and Algarve)

The region spans from north of Lisbon on the west coast of  Portugal and it encompasses nine wine DOCs (including Óbidos, Alenquer, Colares, Bucelas, Torres Vedras, Carcavelos and Arruda)

The region is dominated by several large, quantity-oriented cooperatives and as a result vine varieties have been chosen for their yield and resistance to disease in the warm, humid Atlantic climate.

Indeed, Estremadura produces more wine than any other part of Portugal the vast majority being Vinho de Mesa (table wine) or for distillation (brandy production), although wine producers here have had to raise their game, due to the diminishing audience for these basic styles of wine.

Pockets of excellence have appeared in Bucelas, where white wines from Arinto-dominated blends can offer refreshing minerality. There is an increased trend for indigenous varieties to be blended with international grapes to provide a note of familiarity  for customers  unused to Portuguese grape names.

Of the local varieties, Castelao, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz are the most widely used, with Arinto and Fernao Pires the stand-out whites. Cab. Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Chardonnay have been allowed since 2002 and have now made significant inroads in the region’s wines.