Portugal has undergone something of a wine revolution over the past two decades, modernizing its winemaking technologies, styles and attitudes. This archetypal Old World country has Long been famous for its fortified wines (Port and Madeira) and its light, tangy Vinho Verde. But it is now attracting much attention for its New wave of Rich, ripe table wines, especially the reds of the Douro Valley.
Portugal's place in the wine world is arguably more about its cork production than its wine, but that largely depends on which period of history you choose.
In the 18th century, when England's supply of French wine was threatened by deteriorating international relations, the Portuguese Vineyard proved more than capable of Filling the void. It was only in the 20th century, when international demand for Portuguese wines dwindled to almost nothing, that Portugal took the lead in world cork production. In the 21st century, the Portuguese cork industry is struggling (due to the increasing popularity of plastic stoppers and metal screw caps), but the country's wines are on the rise again, led by the Dry reds of the Douro and Dao.
Portugal's many grape varieties and their countless regional synonyms are the bane of ampelographers.
Some are endemic to Portugal (e. g. Touriga Nacional), while others are shared with neighboring Spain (e. g.
The industry launched a certification programme called Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) back in 1995. It now covers 1,840 vineyards and 310 wineries. Growers can only achieve SWNZ certification by passing stringent tests within six key areas: water, waste, pest and disease control, soil, climate change and people. They must subject themselves to regular audits conducted by an independent company, which assesses the overall sustainability of their operations and verifies that they are m ...
The estate, which comprises the Gimblett Gravels (Hawke’s Bay) and Te Muna Road (Martinborough) vineyards, will be represented at La Place by two of the oldest négociants, CVBG and Mähler-Besse, in both Europe and Asia. The 2020 vintage of Craggy Range Le Sol Syrah and Craggy Range Aroha Pinot Noir will join the ranks of some of the world’s most renowned wines. La Place ‘made sense’ for Craggy with the estate focused on expanding its distribution reach within the world of fine wine, ...
With a production capacity of 691,000 litres, the Quinta do Ataíde winery in the Vilariça Valley will be exclusively used for unfortified wine production. The investment sum is triple the amount initially estimated back in 2018, and the winery is a key part of the company’s strategy to double premium unfortified wine sales by 2030. ‘Since the original plans were announced, we have decided to significantly increase the size of the facility as a result of our confidence in the growing demand ...