Terras da Beira

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The IG Terras da Beira is the highest wine-growing region in Portugal, with vineyards planted between 300 and 750 metres above sea level.
• The region's topography is dominated by the mountain ranges of Estrela, Gardunha, Açor, Marofa, and Malcata.
• In the far north, the region occupies part of the river basins of the Côa and Águeda, while in the far south it is occupied by the basins of the Zêzere and the Upper Tagus.
• Soils are predominantly of granitic origin, with the remainder essentially derived from schist, and with some quartz veins occurring between the granite and the schist.
• The climate is very harsh, with sub-zero temperatures in winter and very hot, dry summers; mean annual rainfall ranges between 400 and 700 mm/m², concentrated in the winter and spring months.

• The region has been linked to wine production since the era of Roman Lusitania, around 25 BC, with wine-pressing troughs carved into granite serving as evidence of this ancient viticultural presence.
• At the turn of the twelfth century, the monks of the Convent of Santa Maria de Aguiar, in Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, developed viticulture in the region in a very significant way.

• The red wines of IG Terras da Beira are full-bodied, fresh, and high in acidity, with aromas of red fruit and mineral notes.
• The sparkling wines are distinguished by a fine, persistent bead, combined with a fruity, tart, and fresh profile.

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 PGI-PT-02355
• Official trade body site — Comissão Vitivinícola Regional da Beira Interior