A perfectly diverse terrain


The region has a great diversity of microclimates and soils, which contributes to the variety of grapes grown and styles of wines produced. The denomination of controlled origin (DOC) "Trás-os-Montes" is one of the oldest and most traditional wine regions in the country.

The wines produced in this region are known for their quality and distinctive character. The most common grape varieties grown here are Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão and Trincadeira for the red wines and Malvasia Fina, Gouveio and Viosinho for the respective white wines.

Cistercian monks and the wines of Trás-os-Montes


Trás-os-Montes has been well known for its wine production since the 12th century. During this time, Cistercian monks played an important role in the development of wine production in the region, mainly in the Douro Valley. The monks played a key role in the introduction of new techniques for growing, producing and commercialising wine.

Over the following centuries, wine production in Trás-os-Montes continued to expand. However, phylloxera, a plague that affected European vines in the late 19th century, also hit Trás-os-Montes. After the devastation of phylloxera, there was a period of recovery and reconstruction of the vineyards.

Wine production in Trás-os-Montes suffered a significant decline throughout the 20th Century, due to factors such as rural depopulation, economic difficulties and a lack of investment in the wine industry.

The renewal of century old traditions


These traditional practices have been reborn in recent decades, and the region has regained its winemaking prestige. Local producers and winemakers began to invest in modernising old vineyards and adopting newer techniques and quality winemaking practices.

These developments brought the region a new sense of prestige in terms of its wines and resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of the wines produced. As such, the wines of Trás-os-Montes have gained more and more recognition and rewards, both nationally and internationally.

In addition to the DOC Trás-os-Montes, the region also has the geographical indication (GI) "Trasmontano". This denomination covers a wider area that includes other sub-regions of Trás-os-Montes.

Distinct and complex flavours

The region is valued for its diversity of autochthonous grape varieties and for producing authentic and distinctive wines. The red wines of Trás-os-Montes are particularly praised for the intensity, structure and complexity they demonstrate to those who appreciate them.

The wines from Trás-os-Montes are often described as rustic, authentic and full of character. They reflect the influence of the region's continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. These climatic conditions, combined with the diversity of the soils, give the wines of Trás-os-Montes a unique personality.


Wine tourism is on the up


For this and much more, the wine producers of Trás-os-Montes are increasingly committed to promoting wine tourism in the region, opening their farms and cellars for visits and wine tasting. This has also allowed us, as the public, to experience the history and winemaking traditions of this region and appreciate the beauty of its rural landscape.

In general, the winegrowing history of Trás-os-Montes is one of resilience and renewal. The region has already regained its prominent place on the Portuguese wine map, producing quality wines and preserving the winegrowing heritage of the region and its people.

The rich history of the region of Trás-os-Montes, and its incredible climatic conditions, combined with the diversity of its terrain, means the wines from Trás-os-Montes are not to be missed. If you’re lucky enough to experience this place in person, these wines are even more perfect with the rustic backdrop, sprawling vineyards, and stunning views of this incredible region of Portugal.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes