Beira Atlântico

Terroir

• Mediterranean climate with strong Atlantic influence: long, cool winters with abundant rainfall; hot summers tempered by westerly and north-westerly winds.
• Predominantly flat relief between the Vouga and Mondego rivers; vineyards rarely above 120 m, not exceeding 450 m in inland areas.
• Clay and clay-limestone soils dominate the viticultural landscape, spanning a spectrum from sandy to clayey, with sandy-loam types in between.
• Poor soils of varying geological ages with good permeability and water retention, favouring water availability throughout the rainy season.
• The flat topography at moderate altitudes combined with high rainfall produces evenly ripened grapes rich in aromatic precursors and with pronounced natural acidity.

• Viticulture in the region is documented since the founding of the nation, strongly driven by the religious orders. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
• Grape variety selection is a central human practice: preference is given to varieties that best adapt to the region's climate and soils.

• A profile defined by aromatic richness and freshness, underpinned by a pronounced natural acidity resulting from the Atlantic climate.
• Westerly and north-westerly winds temper the hot summers, favouring evenly ripened grapes rich in aromatic precursors.

• Atlantic influence + high rainfall → evenly ripened grapes → marked acidity and great richness in aromatic precursors in the wines.

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

Sources

• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PGI-PT-02350
• Official trade body site — Comissão Vitivinícola da Bairrada