Grapes Varieties

Among the many distinctive native grape varieties are: White - Alvarinho Thick-skinned grape producing some of the best, appley, Vinhos Verdes. - Arinto Makes lively, lemony, dry white wines in the south. - Loureiro Traditional Vinho Verde variety increasingly used on its own to make delicate, flowery wines. - Maria Gomes Adaptable variety used for sparkling wines in Bairrada. Known as Fernao Fires in the south. Fragrant, sometimes spicy. Red - Baga Small, dark grape making long-lasting, tannic wines in Bairrada. - Castelao Frances Widely planted in the south, often known as Periquita - Ramisco Planted without grafting in the sand at Colares, Ramisco produces firm, scented wines. - Tinta Roriz Widely planted in the Douro. Known in the south as Aragonez. - Touriga Nacional Important port grape also good for table wines in the Douro and Dao. Powerful and tannic.