The Beer Brewer

Douro Environmental Characteristics

Vines are grown on terraces on steep slopes below 450m, in schistose soil containing high levels of granite. Climatic conditions encompass both extremes; hot summers with temperatures above 37°C and freezing winters. Rainfall varies from 400mm – 1000mm.

Grape Varieties

Current European Union (EU) regulation permits 15 red and 14 white varieties for port cultivation. Touriga Nacional is considered to the most important red variety, as it contains high sugar levels and produces highly colored, tannic wines with fruity aromas. Other varieties include Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francisca and Bastardo.

White cultivars include Codega, Rabigato and Malvasia. White and Red varieties are often grown on the same vineyard, and are combined at harvest for crushing.

Harvesting

Harvest procedures are similar to those for Sherry grapes. Harvesting occurs from August through to October, and is performed totally by hand, as a consequence of the steep terrain and terraces vines grow upon. Grapes are picked when analysis confirms high levels of dissolved solids (sugars), which are required by law to yield musts with at least 11% potential alcohol, although much higher levels (12 – 14%) are common. The attainment of such sugar levels is also desirable for the optimum production of pigments, polyphenols and fruit flavors. Harvested grapes are placed in small steel bins for transportation to the winery for immediate pressing. Port grapes are not dried in the sun prior to crushing, as this practice is considered to have a negative impact upon wine quality.

Popularity: 45%

Share This