Given that Trincadeira demands a hot, dry climate, this should come as no great surprise. Sunny, safe, surprisingly affordable, and accessible (a quick and easy 30-minute drive east of Lisbon), Alentejo offers the wine-savvy traveler authentic experiences far from the crowds. The Alqueva Dam is an important irrigation and hydroelectricity generation facility that supports part of Alentejo's economy. The winery even has mystery wines where oenophiles can try to guess the Portuguese grape varietals in the wine. Portugal's Alentejo Wine Region EverWonderWine? more. Long a vacation destination for travelers on the lookout for European pleasures at typically Portuguese budget prices, the . Its a necessity and the new paradigm for responsible business in the twenty-first century.. Did I Waste My Time and Money on Wine Certifications? A French crossing of Petit Bouschet and Grenache (1886), it was introduced to the Alentejo over 100 years ago. 42. Continued, Pictured: the Praca do Giraldo in the evening, EVORA INSIDE AND OUT WHERE TO STAY Albergaria do Calvario, 3 Travessa dos Lagares, Evora (00 351 266 745930; www.albergariadocalvario.com). *Information and statistics courtesy of Wines of Alentejo. The guided Speciality Museums Wineries & Vineyards. Give this article. WINE ROUTE Vinhos do Alentejo, 20-21 Praa Aguiar (00 351 266 746498; www.vinhosdoalentejo.pt) GETTING THERE Sunvil Discovery (www.sunvil.co.uk) offers weekly flights from Heathrow to Beja, 78km south of Evora. Thus the production of Adega de Palmela wine directly supports those 300 families. Finally, Vidigueira is the southernmost subregion of Alentejo. Frequently Asked Questions about Alentejo. In Borba, marble bedrock influences the viticulture, and in turn, the characteristics of the wines. This article is about the cultural region. Alentejo - Wine Tourism in Portugal These clay pots, called talhas de barro, come in all different sizes, with some holding up to 520 gallons of wine and standing up to seven feet tall. For other uses, see, Typical landscape of Alentejo. Alentejo is a supremely romantic wine region in southern Portugal (just north of the Algarve) where you will find soft rolling hills covered in vineyards, cork forests, whitewashed villages, and Moorish castles. In Portuguese, its name means "beyond ( alm) the Tagus river " ( Tejo ). I would not hesitate to try any of their tours. This area reached a peak of production at the end of the 19th century, but faced setbacks with the introduction of phylloxera, followed by the countrys focus on wheat crops in the mid 20th century. Find out more 1 2 In recent years, the Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Program (WASP) has been at the vanguard of sustainability in Portugal, providing a certification seal to qualifying wineries, signifying the highest level of viticulture, vinification, and social responsibility. More than 150 menhirs, dolmens and cromlechs are dotted around the northern Alentejo, making this a rich seam of neolithic culture. Through the WASP program, there has been a focus on integrating the winery into the community. Very nice, proactive service to organize the tour. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. My room at the Convento do Espinheiro was anything but monastic, with a rococo bed, hardwood armchairs, heavy curtains and a palette of purple, red and grey. Great Tour and Tasting at Bacalha - Vinhos de Portugal! For more information on the Alentejo wine region and if you are interested in a Luxury Wine tour of the Alentejo region. The entire region is entitled to use the Vinho Regional designation Alentejano VR, while some areas are also classified at the higher Denominao de Origem Controlada (DOC) level under the designation Alentejo DOC. Annual rainfall averages only about 23 inches, compared to 25 inches in Napa Valley, California. The 'land beyond the Tagus' is calming in its uncluttered, minimalist beauty. These houses leave one mesmerized by their balconies perfectly decorated with rainbow-colored flowers. Thereafter, armed with the Wine Route map, you could take to the road, as I did, for a vinous safari taking in producers such as Cartuxa - on a historic estate run as a philanthropic enterprise by the Eugnio de Almeida Foundation - Quinta do Carmo and Monte dos Coelheiros. About 70 for two without wine. Alentejo is in the south of Portugal, where the high number of sunny days per year and the temperature are the perfect ingredients for the ripeness of the grapes. vora is considered the birthplace of Alentejos most sought-after wines. The winery is small but worth a visit. The name, Alentejo, derives from the words alm do Tejo, beyond the Tejo River. Exploring the Abundance of Alentejo Vineyards and Wines | VinePair, https://vinepair.com/articles/alentejo-portuguese-wine/, wbs_cat Wine, wbs_type Cabernet Sauvignon, wbs_type Carignan, wbs_type Chardonnay, wbs_type Tempranillo, wine regions, Meet Your New Favorite Summer Sparkler: Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco | VinePair, https://vinepair.com/articles/cleto-chiarli-lambrusco/, wbs_cat Wine, wbs_type Lambrusco, wbs_brand Cleto Chiarli, Cleto Chirali, food pairings, italian wine, Lambrusco, Sparkling Wine. They can be described as wines that are full-bodied, rich in color, and have the perfect level of acidity. Continued, Pictured:within Evora's medieval walls, boutique hotels and shops are opening up in the town's historic buildings. For a wine to be certified as an Alentejo PDO wine, it must come from one of these subregions and follow strict guidelines, such as the inclusion of approved grapes in the wines. While Georgia is considered to be home to ancient winemaking and amphora wines, Portugal is the only country that has dedicated appellation to only amphora wines. This article is sponsored by Wines of Alentejo. A full sustainability program goes beyond the vineyard, especially when considering 80% of the employees of the winery live in the village where it is located. They also gave us a superb restaurant recommendation in ArraiolosO Alpendre..delicious. Travel expertise from locals and wine industry experts. Its main cities are vora, Beja, Sines, Serpa, Estremoz, Elvas, and Portalegre. enter Iberia from Africa. Evora offers visitors a uniquely Portuguese experience in the Alentejo wine region. Doubles from 102, M'Ar De Ar Muralhas, 4*/6 Travessa de Palmeira, Evora (00 351 266 739300; www.mardearhotels.com). The city continued to enjoy a measure of importance until the 18th century, when it began to sink into provincial obscurity. The Alentejo Wine & Food Culture | Portugal Although Carne de Porco Alentejana originated in the Algarve region of Portugal, it is named after Alentejo because this is where the pork meat used in the dish comes from. In terms of size, the Alentejo region in southern Portugal is about the same size as the state of Massachusetts. Sunny villages of the Alentejo wine region shelter the ancient technique of Talha winemaking. DiscoverNet | Explore Portugal With These 13 Wine Regions. Continued, *Pictured:*Ruins of the Temple of Diana in Evora's historic centre. Ask Adam: Is There Ever a Reason to Give a Bad Yelp Review? In 2003, these separate DOCs and IPRs were put together as the Alentejo DOC. Outside the balcony were rocks and pasture, and the white pavilion of a mausoleum deep in the convent grounds, reminding me of the grave of some Islamic saint. Nearby the countryside are long stretches of white beaches perfect for water sports and relaxation. Know more here. If only we'd brought bigger suitcases! In the south, near Mrtola, there is another nature park area, named Parque Natural do Vale Guadiana. And each of the eight sub-regions of Alentejo has its unique flavors. Today, Alentejo is one of only two regions worldwide where the ancient tradition of fermenting and storing wine in clay pots has continued, uninterrupted, for over 2,000 years. The more general Alentejano designation allows for looser regulations and more freedom in areas such as the use of non-native grapes. , amazing architecture - a hidden gem in this beautiful Alentejo. Have a look at our selection of Wineries in Alentejo with open cellar doors and the greatest hospitality! Continued. Anto Vaz, vinified in various food-flexible styles ranging from crisp, firmly structured whites all the way to smooth oak-aged blends, is rooted in notes of citrus peel and almond excellent with tapas, citrus-accented chicken dishes, and pear- and cherry-based desserts. Alentejo and its UNESCO World Heritage capital, the beautiful city of vora, remain off-the-beaten-path and a connoisseurs treasure. 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Although the Serra De Sao Mamede is not always included on tourist itineraries, it is becoming increasingly popular with those you enjoy hiking, walking and the outdoors. It's free! Excellent experience that seems to be a hidden gem. Check out our local wine tour guides with their wine tour offers to have everything organized when visiting the Alentejo wine region. (559307-3066) sponsored Partners Authentic Alentejo: Where the Portuguese Buy their Wines When the Portuguese shop for wine, they shop Alentejo (ah-len-TAY-zhoo). Strong interest from local wineries and their ability to meet the tough requirements are indicative of the Alentejo regions deep-seated commitment to sustainability, says WASP sustainability coordinator Joo Barroso, an environmental engineer. Everything is within easy driving distance, and rush hour is non-existent. We ended up buying many bottles of wine to take home. The region's vineyards pre-date the Romans and today house more than 250 producers. Very interesting-not the usual wine tour. It has received multiple awards, including the Worlds Leading Wine Region Hotel 2020: World Travel Awards; Europe's Leading Wine Region Hotel 2020: World Travel Awards; and Best Wine Hotels: Cond Nast Traveller 2018. Also prized is Alfrocheiro, with blackberry and strawberry notes, and medium-bodied Castelo, dripping with hints of juicy red currants and fleshy fruit. With very few exceptions, all the major towns are mainly reliant on agriculture, livestock, and forestry. Theres something for everyone in the Alentejo! Alentejo | Portugal Travel Guide | Rough Guides wines are usually softer with high alcohol. Verdelho, with its aromatic honeysuckle notes and full body, ranging from fresh and fruity to rich and buttery when aged, evolves into deep flavors of nectarines and ripe apricots. We tried 6 wines, accompanied by a fantastic charcuterie board. Above the bed, a picture of the Good Shepherd holding a sheep looked down on me beadily (and, as I fancied, slightly reprovingly). Continued, Pictured: The walled medieval village of Monsaraz, which overlooks the Alqueva reservoir. SILVA, A. J. M. (2014), (19) Les vins au got dargile: anatomie dune tradition plurimillnaire. Creating a Sustainable Alentejo Wine Region - Joo Barroso WASP Manager. On the palate, these rose wines are smooth and well-rounded. Which places provide the best wineries & vineyards in Alentejo for travelers on a budget? The focus of Marvao is the Marvao castle which seems to majestically rise from the granite foundation. I put my review under Herdade da Maroteira please read there. The term Entre-Tejo-e-Guadiana has become obsolete; it referred to roughly the same land area between the Tagus and the Guadiana rivers as part of the Kingdom of Portugal. The Palcio Cadaval is a miscellany of ecclesiastical art, Portuguese antiques, and touching evidence of domestic life (in the palace kitchens, a wood fire crackled in the grate). Red Varieties: Abundante, Alfrocheiro Preto, Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Baga. We had booked We really like wines from Ermelinda but this was our first visit of their winery in Alentajo. The convent's plain, cool interiors with impressive vaulted ceilings have been skilfully turned into five-star spaces by the judicious application of expensive fabrics, ecclesiastical accoutrements and comfortable (if not always especially beautiful) furniture. An elegant and unspoilt walled town in the heart of the Alentejo wine country, Evora is an ideal destination for lovers of culture and cuisine, says Paul Richardson. Exploring the Abundance of Alentejo Vineyards and Wines Wine - Culture - Alentejo - Turismo do Alentejo Part of the Starwood hotel group's Luxury Collection portfolio, it is a converted convent originally built in the 15th century after the Virgin Mary was said to have appeared to a shepherd in a hawthorn tree (espinheiro). is the southernmost subregion of Alentejo. Alentejo Wine Region, Portugal. Alentejo is Portugal's wine country too, where centuries of tradition are combined with the latest technologies to produce world-class wines. Today, this most Portuguese non-Portuguese variety is Alentejos flagship red and often assumed to be native! The red wines that are produced in the Alentejo wine region are mostly made by blending several different grapes. Show Prices. The area has poor soils and extremely hot summers, which means early ripening of the grapes. Exploring Alentejo Wine Region - A Guide to Portugal's Wine Country Unlike in other tomato soups, the tomatoes are not pureed and are left whole and chunky. Wine Country's hottest waiting list: Enso Village . Continued, Pictured:The Duchess of Cadaval in her ancestral palace. Formerly a wheat-producing farm, it now has 600 hectares of vines and currently makes some of Portugal's most interesting wines under the aegis of Australian oenologist David Baverstock (as well as four million litres per year of the estate's standard brand, Monte Velho). Liniker is the Brazilian soul musician whose love songs will - Dazed Alentejo has most of the elements required for wine production: sun, soil, native grape varieties and a centuries-old winemaking legacy. Really enjoyed our visit here and our guide/hostess Carolina was superb and really friendly. Alentejo | Wine Region Guide - Vivino A true Sopa de Tomate Alentejana is made with only locally grown Alentejo tomatoes. Slatherings of history overlay this landscape and these pretty towns. Alentejo is known for its reds, with Alicante Bouschet an established star amid the crowd of over 250 indigenous varieties, plus a few well-known international players, including Cabernet Sauvignon. One morning I spent a pleasant hour in the company of Prince Charles-Philippe d'Orlans, a scion of the French royal family (I treasure his visiting card), who took time to show me around a house that has been in the family of his Portuguese wife, the Duchess de Cadaval, since the 15th century. Popular is the Ferno Pires, its muscat-like taste enhanced by peppery notes, citrus fruit, and orange blossom. https://www.academia.edu/10205544/Les_boissons_Les_vins_au_go%C3%BBt_d_argile_anatomie_d_une_tradition_plurimill%C3%A9naire._Le_cas_d_%C3%A9tude_portugais_du_vin_de_talha_, Official Journal of the European Union C 187/1, 8.8.2009: List of quality wines produced in specified regions, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alentejo_wine&oldid=1144688448, This page was last edited on 15 March 2023, at 01:33. Talha Wine is a living tradition, which counts for more than 2000 years. The city is home to one of the worlds oldest universities and has a lively, vibrant, and bustling student population. (Chicago) or The Vineyard Wine Shop (Denver), and on the West Coast, the taste of Southern Portugal is as easy as a drive to Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant (San Francisco) or The Wine House (Los Angeles). If the winds are strong enough, the deep and low-lying valley of the Sado river becomes extremely warm by European standards. The Alentejo region has a Mediterranean climate, typically warm-to-hot and dry for a large part of the year, with summer temperatures regularly reaching up to 40C (104F), while winters are relatively mild and wet. To the south, agriculture may be more predominant. These Talhas come in all shapes and sizes, some of the largest can store up to 2,000 liters of wine. This region is known for bringing simple ingredients together to provide excellent and tasty meals. Alentejo - Wikipedia Alentejo - Portugal's secret wine country By Cond Nast Traveller 12 May 2015 Rex Features Welcome to Evora in Alentejo An elegant and unspoilt walled town in the heart of the Alentejo wine country, Evora is an ideal destination for lovers of culture and cuisine, says Paul Richardson. Alentejo wine region produces one sparkling wine which is known as Espumante. Very interesting and educational. Parque Natural da Serra de So Mamede, a nature park area located to the east of Portalegre, includes medieval villages. Even those who may never have visited the country might be familiar with this dish as it has become a staple in Portuguese restaurants around the world. The more general Alentejano designation allows for looser regulations and more freedom in areas such as the use of non-native grapes. This dish is the perfect treat for vegetarians visiting the Alentejo wine region. The most common grapes used in the region of Alentejo include the following: The Anto Vaz variety, which contributes great aromas and tropical fruit flavors, is one of the dominant grape varieties used in white blends. This is a wonderful family-friendly park that is easily accessible. Highly recommend! At around the same size as Massachusetts, Alentejo (pronounced ah-len-TAY-zhoo) has much to satisfy lovers of the arts, history, and the outdoors and, especially, food and wine. The city walls of Marvao were built in the 13th century and to this day are mainly still intact. I was intrigued to discover an exhibition of 'readymades' and other artworks by the sculptor Marcel Duchamp - a show you'd be surprised to find in a much more sophisticated city - at the avant-garde Frum Eugnio de Almeida exhibition space near the cathedral. - beautiful immaculate surroundings, their own lake, oak forest around you, go even has mystery wines where oenophiles can try to guess the Portuguese grape varietals in the wine. Winery with Joo and Ana. The Portuguese dish famous around the world. The region is home to the world's most important area for the growing of cork. . The brand-new M'Ar De Ar Aqueduto hotel, fashioned out of a palatial house beside a 16th-century aqueduct, lies inside the city walls and is to be recommended for its swish modern design and perfectly convenient setting. Situated between Algarve and Lisboa regions, Alentejo wine region covers more than 30% of Portugal and it is the largest in the country. The Cabo Sardao is located between the Algarve and Setubal and provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Forego your diet for a day and indulge in this delicious and hearty dish. Marble, cork, olive oil, and mining industries are other important activities in the region and tourism is expected to have growth potential. Which places provide the best wineries & vineyards in Alentejo for couples? Healthy soil is also celebrated, with vineyards utilizing compost, often from upcycled stalks, grape seeds, and olive leaves, to produce a more biodiverse top layer. The grandest of Evora's many imposing religious buildings, the cathedral (known as the S) crowns the town and can be seen for miles from the surrounding countryside. The initiative has grown to include several times the original number of members participating. Teresa our guide explained how Adega de Palmela was different. Wineries with Open Cellar Door Cultural and exceptional natural spots to visit Mouthwatering gastronomy of Alentejo Vineyards of Alentejo wine region, Portugal Discover the Millenary Culture of Alentejo Wine Region Alentejo wine region is the leading producer of excellent and high-quality Portuguese wines in the country. Continued, Pictured: Wine-tasting at Monte dos Coelheiros. . Love the fact that their top wine is the stunning m standing for the magnificent women in Tiagos life - wife Maria and daughters M and M. Gorgeous design. All of these attractions are perfectly located within the Evora city walls. The Serra De Sao Mamede park is approximately 40km wide. . The Sardinia wine region enchants visitors with its alluring blend of natural splendor and bucolic , and you will find yourself in the incredibly dynamic wine region of Alentejo in southern Portugal. The hotel stands in rolling countryside a few kilometres outside Evora, and the whitewashed splendour of the convent church is visible from the town. Some climate models indicate daytime average maximum temperatures nearing 40C (104F) in the Guadiana river valley by 2100. However, further investigation brought me to what was certainly the culinary highlight of my long weekend. This region is known for its powerful, age-worthy wines. Herdade do Esporo, Reguengos de Monsaraz (00 351 266 509280; www.esporo.com).
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