The Portuguese Wine Glossary: Terms You Need to Know

Ready to dive into the world of Portuguese wines? Whether you're a wine expert or just getting started, there's always something new to learn. The best part? You don't need to be a sommelier to appreciate a good bottle of Portuguese wine—you just need a little help with the lingo. That's where this guide comes in. We've put together a handy list of terms that will make your journey through Portuguese wine country much easier and way more fun.

Wine can sometimes seem complicated, but it doesn't have to be. You'll see names of grape types, wine regions, and even specific wine-making techniques on bottle labels. Knowing what these words mean can really change the way you experience a bottle of wine. Ever wondered what 'Vinho Verde' actually means? Or what a 'Barrica' is used for in winemaking? Well, you're about to find out.

We know that a big list of terms can be a bit much, so we've made it easy for you. Along with each Portuguese term, you'll find its English translation and how to say it. So you can not only look like a pro—you can sound like one, too. Whether you're picking a bottle from the shop, ordering wine at a restaurant, or planning to visit a vineyard in Portugal, this guide has got you covered.

Think of this glossary as your cheat sheet to enjoying Portuguese wines. It's like a mini-course in Portuguese wine culture, all designed to make your experience richer and more enjoyable. So, go ahead and pour yourself a glass while you explore these terms. By the end, you'll be able to chat about wine like a local. Cheers, or as they say in Portuguese, "Saúde!"

Bottle of Douro Wine

Viticulture Terms

Casta (English: Grape Variety | Pronunciation: Kass-tah)

Casta denotes the grape varieties native to Portugal, such as Touriga Nacional, Alvarinho, and Arinto.

Vinha (English: Vineyard | Pronunciation: Veeng-yah)

Vinha is the term for vineyards in Portugal, ranging from small family plots to expansive estates.

Talão (English: Shoot or Branch | Pronunciation: Tah-lown)

Talão is used by grape growers to describe the shoot or branch of a grapevine.

Poda (English: Pruning | Pronunciation: Poh-dah)

Poda, or pruning, is essential for regulating vine growth and enhancing fruit quality.

Variedade (English: Variety | Pronunciation: Vah-ree-eh-dah-dee)

Variety refers to the specific kind of grape grown, important in determining the wine's character.

Terroir (English: Terroir | Pronunciation: Teh-rwahr)

Although a French term, terroir is widely used in Portugal to describe the natural environment in which grapes are grown.

Winemaking Terms

Lagar (English: Stone Trough | Pronunciation: Lah-gahr)

Lagar refers to the traditional stone troughs for foot-treading grapes, still in use for quality wines.

Barrica (English: Barrel | Pronunciation: Bah-ree-kah)

Barrica is the wooden barrel, usually made of oak, where fermentation and ageing occur.

Mosto (English: Grape Juice | Pronunciation: Mohs-toh)

Mosto is the term for grape juice before fermentation begins.

Sur Lie (English: On The Lees | Pronunciation: Sur Lee)

Sur Lie describes the method of allowing a finished wine to sit on the lees, extracting additional flavours.

Reserva (English: Reserve | Pronunciation: Reh-zer-vah)

Reserva is a label term indicating a wine of higher quality that has been aged for a specific period.

Maceração (English: Maceration | Pronunciation: Mah-seh-rah-sown)

Maceration refers to the process of soaking grape skins, seeds, and stems in juice to extract colour and tannins.

Quinta do Ventozelo - Douro

Wine Styles and Categories

Vinho Verde (English: Green Wine | Pronunciation: Veen-yo Vehr-deh)

This refers to a unique Portuguese wine that is young, often slightly fizzy, and made in the Minho region.

Douro (English: Douro River | Pronunciation: Doo-roh)

Douro is one of the world's oldest wine regions, famous for Port and increasingly recognised for quality table wines.

Colheita (English: Harvest Year | Pronunciation: Kohl-yay-tah)

Colheita signifies the vintage or harvest year, often displayed on wine labels.

Garrafeira (English: Private Cellar Wine | Pronunciation: Gah-rah-fay-rah)

Garrafeira denotes a higher-quality wine aged longer than typical wines, with stricter ageing requirements.

Tinto (English: Red | Pronunciation: Teen-toh)

Tinto is the term for red wine, a popular choice across the Portuguese-speaking world.

Branco (English: White | Pronunciation: Brahn-koh)

Branco is the Portuguese term for white wine.

Wine Tasting Terms

Prova (English: Tasting | Pronunciation: Proh-vah)

Prova is the Portuguese term for a wine tasting session.

Taninos (English: Tannins | Pronunciation: Tah-nee-nohs)

Taninos are what we call tannins in wine, adding complexity and aiding in ageing potential.

Acidez (English: Acidity | Pronunciation: Ah-see-dehz)

Acidez refers to the wine's acidity, crucial in shaping its flavour and ageing ability.

Encorpado (English: Full-Bodied | Pronunciation: En-cor-pah-doh)

Encorpado describes a wine that is full-bodied, rich in both alcohol and flavour.

Nariz (English: Nose | Pronunciation: Nah-rees)

Nariz is a term used to describe the wine’s aroma or bouquet.

Paladar (English: Palate | Pronunciation: Pah-lah-dahr)

Paladar is the term describing the taste characteristics of the wine once it's in your mouth.

Grapes transported after harvest

Tourism-Related Terms

Enoturismo (English: Wine Tourism | Pronunciation: Eh-noh-too-reez-moh)

Enoturismo, or wine tourism, offers a comprehensive experience of Portugal's wine culture.

Quinta (English: Estate or Farm | Pronunciation: Keen-tah)

Quintas are the estates or farms where wines are produced, often offering tours and tastings.

Adega (English: Winery or Wine Cellar | Pronunciation: Ah-deh-gah)

An adega is a winery or wine cellar where wine production and storage take place, often providing tours and tastings.

Prova de Vinhos (English: Wine Tasting | Pronunciation: Proh-vah deh Veen-yoos)

This is the experience of sampling various wines, often at a vineyard or wine shop.

Now that you have this glossary at your fingertips, you're more than ready to plunge into the captivating universe of Portuguese wines. This isn't just about adding some fancy terms to your vocabulary—it's about enhancing your entire experience, from selection to sip. The joy of wine, after all, isn't just in the tasting; it's also in the sharing and discussing, and now you have the language to do it justice.

Picture this: you're at a local restaurant, menu in hand, and you confidently order a bottle of Tinto for the table. Or perhaps you're walking the beautiful terraced vineyards of a Quinta in the Douro Valley, engaging in insightful conversations with the vintners themselves. With your newfound knowledge, you won't just be a passive participant but an active, informed enthusiast. You can ask about the 'terroir', discuss the 'maceration' process, or even delve into the intricacies of 'Reserva' and 'Garrafeira' labels. These aren't just words; they're keys that unlock a deeper understanding and appreciation of what goes into each bottle.

If you're planning to indulge in wine tourism, or 'Enoturismo' as it's known in Portugal, your adventure will be all the more enriching. From 'Adegas' to 'Quintas,' and 'Colheitas' to 'Provas,' you’ll not only experience the rich traditions of Portuguese wine-making but also articulate those experiences like never before. And let's not forget, wine has a way of bringing people together. Your enriched vocabulary will make you a favourite guest at any tasting event, not to mention the added fun you'll have discussing and comparing notes with fellow enthusiasts.

So here's to your enriched journey into Portuguese wines! Go ahead, order that bottle of Tinto or Vinho Verde, visit that Quinta in the Douro or Alentejo, and take part in a local 'Prova de Vinhos.' With this glossary in hand, each term you use and understand adds another layer to your enjoyment.