Region of Trás os Montes
The Trás os Montes wine region is located in the extreme northeast of Portugal, where you may find a huge variety of landscapes.
It reveals itself between beautiful hills and pronounced valleys over a large area.
History
This is a unique land with special characteristics. Throughout the region the scenery changes rapidly, between lush green valleys or ancient hills covered with a patchwork of woods, or green-gray olive groves, extensive bright green vineyards, or even flowering almond trees and other fruit trees.
The vine cultivation and wine production in the Region of Trás-os-Montes has a secular origin, which is intrinsically marked in its rocks. Across the region there are several mills dug in the rock of Roman and Pre-Roman origin.
The recognized quality of the wines of this region is also marked with the existence of centuries-old vines.
Despite its very own characteristics, there are several microclimates in the region of Trás-os-Montes, which allied to the existing differences in the constitution of the soils, normally granitic with shale stains, as well as the greater adaptability of certain grape varieties, allow to obtain very different wines. Such differences allowed to define three sub-regions for the production of quality wines entitled to the Trás-os-Montes Designation of Origin.
The criteria taken into account were essentially the altitudes, sun exposure, climate and the constitution of the soils, and the Denomination of Origin (DO Trás-os-Montes) was recognized since 9 November 2006 and already with regard to wines with Transmontano Geographic Identification, these can be produced throughout the Region, and the Transmontano Geographical Indication (IG Transmontano).
The control and defense of the Denomination of Origin and Geographical Indication are the responsibility of the certifying entity "Regional Viticulture Commission of Trás-os-Montes", which aims to protect and guarantee the quality and genuineness of quality wines produced in the region of Behind-the-hills.
3 Sub-regions
Despite its own characteristics, in the region of Trás-os-Montes there are several microclimates, which, together with the existing differences in the soils, as well as the greater adaptability of certain grape varieties, make it possible to obtain very different wines.
Such differences allowed to define three sub-regions for the production of quality wines entitled to DO Trás-os-Montes, the criteria taken into account were essentially the altitudes, sun exposure, climate and the composition of the soils.
The Chaves Sub-Region
Located on the border with Spain, and famous for its thermal waters, the vineyards are located on the slopes of small valleys, running towards the valley of the River Tâmega. In this sub-region, the soils are essentially granitic with several shale patches, the altitude is around 350 to 400m and there is a high incidence of rainfall and high relative humidity.
The Valpaços sub-region is located in the center of the heart of Terra Quente Transmontana. Widely recognized for the production of wines that date back to Roman times, such presence is intrinsically marked in the rocks the largest number of mills dug in the rock to date identified.
In this Sub-Region, the soils present significant differences, with a higher incidence of shale patches, with many transition zones with granitic soils, the altitude ranges from 450 to 650 m. With regard to the climate, higher temperatures occur during the summer and lower values of relative humidity, as well as lower values of rainfall.
Mirandese Plateau Sub-Region
Located in the southeast of the Region of Trás-os-Montes, in the sub-region of the Planalto Mirandês, it is the Douro River that influences the cultivation of the vineyard, land of the Mirandese, (a typical typical language with tradition in this region).
In this land, the soils are essentially schist. The altitude is around 350 to 600 m, with the occurrence of great thermal amplitudes and very low levels of relative humidity, as well as the incidence of winds. Such characteristics, associated with the traditional driving mode of vines in bowls, or willow heads, allow greater control of the vines, inhibiting the development of certain diseases and thus allowing practically biological viticulture.
Valpaços Sub-Region
The Valpaços sub-region is located in the center of the heart of Terra Quente Transmontana. Widely recognized for the production of wines that date back to Roman times, such presence is intrinsically marked in the rocks the largest number of mills dug in the rock to date identified.
In this Sub-Region, the soils present significant differences, with a higher incidence of shale patches, with many transition zones with granitic soils, the altitude ranges from 450 to 650 m. With regard to the climate, higher temperatures occur during the summer and lower values of relative humidity, as well as lower values of rainfall.
Wine Characteristics
Despite the existing diversity in the Trás-os-Montes Region, some common features can be find in all the wines. White wines have an aromatic balance with great intensity of fruity and light floral aromas. They reveal a correct acidity not overly pronounced in the mouth. The red wines are very consistent and with a high coloring intensity, aromatically very fruity. In the mouth, they are structured, and despite the normally high alcohol content, there is a correct fixed acidity, becoming robust but pleasant wines and very balanced.
From Portugal... to the world!”
Dare to taste Portuguese flavors! Just click on the link below:
SOURCE (c) CVRTM by www.clubevinhosportugueses.pt The best Portuguese Wine Portal
