Sub regional differences
The Baixo Corgo lies at the western end of the Douro Valley, closest to the Marão mountains, where the rainfall and vineyard yields are the highest. This area mainly produces the lighter earlier maturing styles of port intended to be drunk relatively young. To the east of the Douro Valley and with a drier climate and lower yields, the Cima Corgo area is the privileged location of many of the Douro’s finest vineyards and produces more concentrated and long lasting wines. The easternmost area, the Douro Superior, is the driest of all and is the source of many of the finest vintage ports and still wines.
Tasting the Douro varieties
To get up close and taste these wonderful grape varieties first hand, you can take a wine tour of the region. One of the best ways to do this is to combine visits to a couple of wineries for a wine tasting and tour and take a cruise down the river on a traditional rabelo boat.
From just £67, $91 and €80, you can find out more here.
Hundreds of local grape varieties
One of the Douro Valley’s attributes is its wealth of different traditional grape varieties. The reasons are partly historic and partly related to the region’s mountainous topography, a choice of different vine types being required to match the vineyard to a variety of different growing conditions. For example, the Touriga Nacional grape thrives on shallow, stony soils in full sun. Touriga Francesa prefers fertile sites and protection from strong winds. The Tinta Barroca, on the other hand, produces its best results on cooler North or East facing slopes and in locations with reduced exposure to sunlight.
Although around thirty grape varieties can be used to make port, most modern vineyards in the Douro Valley use a selection of just five top red grapes, which are now generally considered to produce the finest wines. Some other grape varieties may be added in smaller proportions where dictated by specific growing conditions.
The main Douro red grape varieties
Port and DOC Douro wines are made only with native grape varieties. The most widely-used ones are:
Touriga Nacional
These grapes account for a small amount of the region’s vine stock, which is growing rapidly. The grape had virtually become extinct by the 1970’s but was brought back by producers who worked vigorously on clones, as well as the grape variety itself. A difficult grape to manage but it can produce the darkest and most concentrated wines: deep, dense and with cast-iron backbone.
Tinta Barroca
This grape is planted at higher altitudes in the Douro Valley or on cooler north-facing slopes in the Cima Corgo. It is the first to ripen but is susceptible to extreme heat. This grape produces supple, well-structured wines, which frequently have a distinctive rustic, earthy character.
Tinto Cão
This grape is even more challenging to grow than Touriga Nacional, with small bunches and small yields. It ripens late but needs to be picked at the right time to achieve the delicate balance of alcohol and acidity. This grape has the capacity to produce long-lasting, complex wines.
Tinta Roriz
This grape is also known as Tempranillo in Spain. It produces wines that combine tight, firm fruit with finesse and length.
Touriga Franca
This is the most widely planted variety. It flourishes on warmer south-facing slopes and gives consistent yields. This grape brings structure, up-front fruit, elegance and oral overtones. The young reds for immediate drinking have cherry and raspberry aromas, and the cellar reds start with notes of black fruit and chocolate, but age to great delicacy and complexity for 20 years or more.
Discover the grape varieties of the Douro Valley
There’s no better way to understand the culture and traditions of a destination than by getting a deep insight into its gastronomy and wines. Learn all about the key grape varieties of the Douro Valley by visiting carefully selected wineries and taste the famous Port wine which is produced in the traditional way, never forgetting its root and people.
From just £75, $102 and €90, you can find out more here.
The main Douro white grape varieties
Malvasia
MalvasiaThis variety is the second most widely planted grape in the Douro Valley. It is difficult to cultivate but the results can be impressive. Elegant wines with hints of nutmeg and some smoke.
Rabigato
Portuguese for ‘cat’s tail’, this wine matures slowly and is able to stand up to extreme heat. Its aroma is of medium intensity and sweet, reminding us of Orange flowers with some vegetable notes, equilibrium and fresh, with a fruity taste. In the mouth, it has vivacity and some persistency. It offers White Port and Douro wines freshness and high levels of acidity.
Viosinho
This is a low-yield variety and produces some very high quality wines. Good intensity, reminding chamomile and plums, fruity and complex. Medium acidity with a pleasant aroma on the finish.
Grape harvest in the Douro Valley
Grape harvest season is one of the most important and exciting times of the year in the Douro Valley. What better way to immerse yourself in the experience than by joining a grape harvest and wine tour. Spend the day at a winery surrounded by seemingly endless vineyards, learn how to correctly pick the grapes and stomp them with your feet.
From just £146, $199 and €175, you can find out more here.
Has all this given you a thirst for some Portuguese wine? Why not try some in the Douro itself on this fantastic wine and food tour. If a luxury wine hotel is more up your street, however, then do take a look at the Quinta do Vallado. And for more suggestions on some of the best port you will find, read our feature on A Journey Through Port in the Douro.
