Regions: Beira Interior
Welcome back to PortnWine, the place where we delve into the heart of Portugal's vast and varied wine regions. Today, we are journeying to the breathtaking landscapes of Beira Interior, a lesser-known wine region teeming with charm, tradition, and an array of tantalizing wines that beckon discovery.
Climate and Terroir
Nestled in the northeastern part of Portugal, close to the Spanish border, lies the Beira Interior wine region. This region is spread across three DOCs, namely Beira Interior, Cova da Beira, and Castelo Rodrigo. The region's undulating terrain ranges from the dramatic cliffs of Serra da Estrela to the gentle valleys of the Douro River.
The climate here is continental in nature, characterized by scorching summers and bitterly cold winters. However, the significant altitude - vineyards are typically situated 400 to 700 meters above sea level - acts as a moderating influence, resulting in dramatic diurnal temperature swings. This stark contrast between daytime heat and nighttime chill slows the ripening process, providing a longer growing season that enriches the grapes with nuanced flavours and balancing acidity.
The Beira Interior's terroir is as diverse as the land itself. The soils vary from granitic and sandy in the mountainous areas to schistous and clay in the valleys, each contributing distinctive qualities to the wines. The high-altitude vineyards, bathed in ample sunlight and graced by cool breezes, afford a uniquely favourable environment that ensures healthy vine growth and optimal ripeness of grapes.
Grape Varieties
The Beira Interior is a treasure trove of native Portuguese grapes. For red wines, Touriga Nacional - Portugal's most acclaimed red variety - dominates, delivering structured, full-bodied wines bursting with black fruit flavors, floral notes, and a hint of spice. Other important red grape varieties include Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Trincadeira, and Rufete.
The region is also home to exceptional white wines. The leading white grape is Síria (Roupeiro), which creates fresh, aromatic wines featuring citric notes, crisp acidity, and subtle mineral undertones. Arinto, Malvasia Fina, and Bical also prominent in the region's vineyards.
Wineries
Despite being less publicized compared to Douro or Alentejo, Beira Interior is home to a number of outstanding wineries which have consistently garnered acclaim for their world-class wines.
Quinta do Cardo
Located in the DOC Beira Interior, near the village of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Quinta do Cardo is renowned for its organic viticulture and commitment to local grape varieties. Their Touriga Nacional is a beautiful representation of the grape’s potential in the region.
Rui Madeira - Vinhos de Belmonte
Winemaker Rui Madeira, known for his stellar wines in the Douro region, crafts equally impressive wines in the Beira Interior region. His wines, red and white alike, masterfully express the uniqueness of the Beira Interior terroir.
Quinta dos Currais
Situated in the foothills of Serra da Gardunha, in the DOC Cova da Beira, Quinta dos Currais combines modern winemaking techniques with traditional grape varieties to produce distinctive, elegant wines that reflect the authentic character of the region.
The Beira Interior wine region offers a fascinating exploration of Portugal's viticultural heritage, with its distinctive terroir, unique grape varieties, and passionate winemakers. It's a region where tradition and modernity interweave to produce wines of exceptional quality and character.
Next time you hunt for a new wine experience, consider a bottle from Beira Interior. These wines not only capture the essence of the land but also tell a compelling story about Portugal's rich and diverse wine culture.
