Top 100 red wines of Beiras - Page 3

Discover the top 100 best red wines of Beiras as well as the best winemakers in the region. Explore the varietals of the red wines that are popular of Beiras and the best vintages to taste in this region.

Discovering the wine region of Beiras

Beiras (Beira) is a traditional administrative region in the northern half of Portugal. It is also the name of the IGP, or Indicacoes Geograficas Protegidas, wine classification (formerly known as Vinho Regional) which covers the region as a whole. A wide range of wines are made in Beiras – red wines from the region are typically Rich, deeply colored wines made from Baga, Castelão, Rufete (Tinto Pinheira), Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Touriga Nacional, and are sometimes fortified to emulate their more famous Oporto cousins. Whites are most often based on Fernão Pires and Bical, the latter being a small-berried variety with the affectionate nickname Borrado das Moscaos ('fly droppings').

Beiras is relatively wide, as Portuguese regions go, and stretches from the Atlantic coast right to the border with Spain (about 100 miles/160km). It was traditionally a single region, but was later split into Beira Litoral (coastal Beira) and Beira Interior (inland Beira). The region encompasses several DOC (Denominação de Origem Controlada) titles, among them Bairrada, Beira Interior and the famous Dão. Terroir varies greatly in the Beiras region, which touches both sides of Portugal and takes in coastline, rivers, valleys, lakes, plateaux and low mountains.

The same is true of the Climate – although heavily influenced by the Atlantic in the maritime west, the continental draw of Spain's hot, DryCenter is strong in the east. In the west are the sandier soils of the coast, slightly inland are the limestone and clays of Bairrada, and the center has the alluvial soils of the Dão, Mondego and Ceira river valleys. Baga is arguably the most important red wine grape in Beira. It typically makes up the lion's share of red wines, particularly in Bairrada, where it accounts for more than three-quarters of the red plantings.

Discover the grape variety: Viognier

White Viognier is a grape variety that originated in France (Rhone Valley). It produces a variety of grape specially used for wine making. It is rare to find this grape to eat on our tables. This variety of grape is characterized by small bunches, and grapes of small size. White Viognier can be found in many vineyards: South West, Languedoc & Roussillon, Cognac, Bordeaux, Rhone Valley, Burgundy, Jura, Champagne, Savoie & Bugey, Provence & Corsica, Loire Valley, Beaujolais.

Food and wine pairing with a red wine of Beiras

red wines from the region of Beiras go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, lamb or game (deer, venison) such as recipes of puchero, stuffed zucchini with merguez, beef and spices or duck legs with cider and small onions.

Organoleptic analysis of red wine of Beiras

On the nose in the region of Beiras often reveals types of flavors of cherry, nutmeg or cinnamon and sometimes also flavors of prune, toasty or stone. In the mouth in the region of Beiras is a powerful with a nice balance between acidity and tannins.

News from the vineyard of Beiras

National Restaurant Awards 2022 announced

The announcement of the National Restaurant Awards 2022 again confirmed London’s supremacy in the British dining scene. The capital occupies 60 out of the 100 best restaurant spots, as well as seven of the top 10. The two leading restaurants, however, will require London foodies to travel and attest to the vibrancy of the British scene as a whole: Ynyshir in Machynlleth, Powys (Wales) and Moor Hall in Aughton, Lancashire, occupy the first and second spots respectively. Led by chef Gareth Ward, a ...

Join Decanter’s Brunello di Montalcino masterclass in New York

We’re excited to host the Brunello di Montalcino – A Study In Contrasts masterclass at the debut Decanter Fine Wine Encounter NYC taking place in the heart of Manhattan’s Financial District on Saturday, 18th June. The best Brunello di Montalcino wines sit alongside some of the world’s greats. Known for their elegant yet concentrated fruits and powerful, structured style this unmissable masterclass will offer Italian wine lovers a fantastic opportunity to get to grips with the terroir, styl ...

Decanter Retailer Awards 2022 Shortlist announced

An indispensable guide to the best wine shops, online retail, wine specialists and wine support services in the UK, the Decanter Retailer Awards 2022 Shortlist has been revealed. A highly competitive year, with entries epitomising the exceptional choice consumers have when it comes to buying wine in the UK, the 2022 edition of the Decanter Retailer Awards saw the judging panel grow with six independent experts reviewing entries. The judging process is never easy, and in many cases, commented cha ...