Beira Interior

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The Beira Interior DO is the highest wine-producing region in Portugal, with vineyards planted between 300 and 750 metres above sea level.
• The region's relief is dominated by the Serra da Estrela, Gardunha, Açor, Marofa, and Malcata mountain ranges.
• At its northern extreme the region occupies part of the river basin of the Côa and Águeda, and at its southern extreme the river basins of the Zêzere and the upper Tejo.
• Soils are generally low in fertility and stony, predominantly of granitic origin, with the remainder essentially of schistous origin, and with quartz veins running between the granite and the schist.
• The climate is continental, with cold, harsh winters bringing sub-zero temperatures and hot, dry summers, with mean annual rainfall of between 400 and 700 mm/m² concentrated in winter and spring.

• The connection between this geographic area and viticulture and winemaking predates the Roman period, as evidenced by the presence of small wine-pressing troughs (lagaretas) carved into the granite.
• In the twelfth century, the religious orders established in the region were responsible for the remarkable development of local viticulture and winemaking.

• The wines are fresh and aromatic, with notable minerality and notable acidity.
• The white wines show great aromatic exuberance and considerable freshness, while the reds display complex aromas of wild berries and spice, with a striking freshness. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)

• The cool summer nights, resulting from the lower atmospheric density associated with altitude, allow for a slower, more balanced ripening, lending freshness and well-balanced acidity to the wines.

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

All appellations in Portugal

Sources

• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-PT-A1546
• Official trade body site — Comissão Vitivinícola Regional da Beira Interior