The Winery Barão de Alcantarilha of Algarve

Discovering the wine region of Algarve

Algarve ('the Algarve' to most English speakers) is the southernmost wine region of Portugal, and the far southwestern corner of the Iberian Peninsula. It is more widely known for its beaches and thriving tourist industry than its wines. Although a small quantity of fresh-styled white wines are made here, the wines of the Algarve are predominantly red, and made from classic Portuguese varieties like Castelão and Touriga Nacional, as well as more international varieties like Syrah. The region's wines are produced largely by a by a small number of upscale co-operatives, although the fashion for independent producers is catching on quickly.

Traditionally Algarve wines have been high in Alcohol, the result of a Warm, maritime Climate – just 125 miles (200km) separates Algarve's easternmost Vineyards (in Tavita) from Tangiers, on the North coast of Africa. The region is seperated from the Alentejo plain and the colder north by the Monchique mountains creating an warmer macroclimate for viniculture. The Vitis vinifera vine thrives here in the Algarve climate, which is as well suited to the vine's long-term needs as it is to the short-term needs of humans. The same Bright sunshine, warm air and sea breeze which brings tourists here in their droves is precisely what grape vines require to give prolific yields and fruit with sky-high potential alcohol.

But while the human contingent here is happily self-irrigating, and retreats to air-conditioned comfort at night, the vines are left outside to swelter in the warm night air. Although seemingly perfect, these climatic conditions serve to accelerate the vine growing season, bringing the grapes to their juicy, Sweet potential before they have had a chance to develop much depth of flavor. They also trade their natural acids for sugars as they ripen, so by the end of the season their juice is full of sugar (potential alcohol) and little else. Thus the type of wine traditionally associated with the Algarve is highly potent, lacking in the refreshing acidity which would come in so handy here, and tastes slightly 'baked' – the result of all those hot nights.