Alentejo

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The mean annual rainfall ranges between 550–650 mm, with the exception of the sub-regions of Borba (750–850 mm) and Portalegre (900–1000 mm), which record higher values.
• The mean annual temperature is 15.5–16 °C and annual sunshine hours are very high, at approximately 3,000 hours, particularly in the months preceding harvest.
• In the sub-region of Borba, soils are predominantly derived from crystalline limestones, with some patches of schist, generally red in colour.
• In the sub-region of Portalegre, soils are predominantly of granitic origin, with some patches of schist-derived and quartzite-derived soils.
• In the sub-regions of Redondo and Reguengos, soils are predominantly derived from eruptive rocks, notably quartz diorites, with some patches of schist-derived soils.

• Vinification in clay jars (talhas) and amphorae, a technique inherited from Roman and Phoenician times, remains in use today in the cellars of the Alentejo appellation.
• The first Alentejo appellations of origin were regulated in 1988, providing the basis for the creation, in 1989, of the Comissão Vitivinícola Regional Alentejana.

• The many annual sunshine hours, particularly in the months preceding harvest, contribute to the optimal preservation of the grapes and to wine quality; these climatic conditions are markedly favourable to the synthesis and accumulation of sugars and to the concentration of colouring matter in the grape skins.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the specification (caderno de especificações).

Sub-regiões

• Borba DOC (PDO)
• Granja/Amareleja DOC (PDO)
• Moura DOC (PDO)
• Portalegre DOC (PDO)
• Redondo DOC (PDO)
• Reguengos DOC (PDO)
• Vidigueira DOC (PDO)
• Évora DOC (PDO)

All appellations in Portugal

Sources

• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-PT-A1542
• Official trade body site — Comissão Vitivinícola Regional Alentejana