Ribatejo

The Ribatejo district is to the east and inland from the Estremadura region, to the west of Alentejo and in close proximity to Lisbon (to the immediate south).

Ribatejo (literally the riverbanks of the Tagus) is a lush agricultural land of rice fields, leafy vineyards and fruit orchards. Most of the vineyards are on the flat, fertile river valley of the River Tagus

Wine has been produced on the banks of the Tejo for around 2000 years, but it is only recently that modern wine-making techniques have made inroads in the region. The wines come from the five denominations in the Ribatejo region – Almeirim, Cartaxo, Chamusca, Coruche and Santarém – and are usually marketed under labels such as Ribatejo, Arruda and Liziria.

Ribatejo whites are typically from the Fernão Pires andTrincadeira-das-Pratas which yield dry, lemon-coloured, floral aromatic, and light-bodied wines. Reds mostly originate from the Periquita, Tincadeira Preta and Castelão Nacional varieties, with the addition of imported varieties, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are fruity and spicy with a robust and tannic character when young.

Casa Cadaval estate on the banks of the Tagus was the first property in Portugal to plant commercial quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon. Under the auspices of Rui Reguinga, one of the leading Portuguese winemakers, Cadaval produces one of the Ribatejo's top-class reds.