Portugal has a long and distinguished past in producing wine, which still represents an important facet of both Portuguese culture and society. Portuguese wine production goes as far back as the Roman Empire and was exported at the time to different regions of the Empire while under Roman rule.

In 1756, the first wine producing region of the world is created, and is today protected by UNESCO as World Heritage, thus protecting one of Portugal’s most famous exports; Port Wine.

Geographically, Portugal benefits from having an enormous diversity of both soil and climate. This phenomenon creates the possibility of wines from north to south having very distinct properties, not only due to the different local varieties, but specifically how these varieties behave in different regions. Interestingly, Portugal also benefits from having the largest number of native varieties from any other wine country in the world. Another interesting fact is that Portugal has the highest ratio of Vines to Inhabitant in the world. Portuguese winemakers now combine traditional production methods with recent technology to create truly breathtaking wines that will indulge your culinary experience.

The Tejo Region

Until very recently known as Ribatejo, The Tejo region is named after the mighty Tejo River (Tagus River in English) that snakes across its landscape, and has for long been the dynamic agricultural center of Portugal. Situated in the heart of Portugal, and 50 kms from Lisbon, the Tejo region benefits from a temperate south Mediterranean climate, and has always been prized for its quality wines.

The Tejo region also benefits from having the most diversity in certified varieties, thus allowing winemakers to truly be creative.

A “petisco”, a Portuguese term for an appetizer/delicacy, is an everyday occasion to get together over a bottle of wine in this region, and turn a simple gathering into a special occasion. Memorable moments are created over a glass of wine between friends.

It’s time for the rest of the world to discover them...

Terroir in Tejo

Terroir in the Tejo region is heavily influenced by the location and path of its main artery, the Tejo itself. It divides the region into 3 distinctive zones.

On both sides of the river bank, called the “leziria” are plains that are prone to flooding from the Tejo, creating a very fertile soil.

On the north bank, the “Bairro” consists of plains mixed with hills, with limestone and clay soils.

On the South bank, the “Charneca” is a predominantly sandy area that is much less fertile than the other regions, but having extremely high temperatures, enhances greatly the maturation of grapes.

©2011 VRC Wine Store — Privacy Policy — Terms & Conditions — Shipping Rates