Bucelas
Styles
Principal grape varieties
The Portuguese regulator (IVV) does not distinguish principal vs accessory varieties — every authorised casta is listed together in the caderno de especificações.
Terroir
Natural factors
- The production area lies mainly on the slopes of the Trancão river valley, benefiting from a microclimate typical of the zone.
- The region's climate is quite cold in winter and temperate in summer, characterising the microclimate typical of the zone.
- The region's soils are poor and predominantly derived from marls and hard limestones corresponding to the traditional local formations known as 'caeiras'.
- These soils are, as a rule, deep and contain coarse materials in their composition.
- The region is hidden and nestled among narrow valleys, sheltered by the high surrounding hills.
Human factors
- Bucelas wine was appreciated by Wellington and became popular at the English court after the Peninsular War, having been introduced to the Prince Regent.
- The Arinto variety accounts for a minimum of 75% of Bucelas wine, a restricted range of plantings that, combined with the climate and soils, determines the wine's characteristics.
Product characteristics
- Bucelas white wines display a citrine colour, fruity aromas and flavours, and a characteristic slight tartness from the Arinto variety, being dry and gentle wines.
- When aged, Bucelas white wines develop a golden-yellow hue and complex tertiary aromas, while the sparkling wines offer fruity aromas and flavours, pronounced freshness, and a fine, persistent bead.
Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the specification (caderno de especificações).
About this boundary · approximate area
Approximate area — the union of the administrative units named in the document (Eurostat GISCO or national cadastre boundaries).
Locality(ies) with no polygon of their own, drawn as the administrative unit that holds them: Santo Antão do Tojal → União das freguesias de Santo Antão e São Julião do Tojal.
Administrative unit(s) the document includes only in part, drawn whole: Fanhões, Santo Antão do Tojal (Loures).
Sources
- eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-PT-A1463
- Official trade body site — Comissão Vitivinícola da Região de Lisboa
Open Wine Map