Douro is the oldest wine region in Portugal and produces still, sparkling and fortified wines (the most famous of which is Port). The existence of several indigenous grape varieties with good oenological properties allows the production of blend wines, whose style is very characteristic. The selection of grape varieties varies according to the type of wine to be produced: the ones of more intense maturation are used in Port, while the most balanced ones are used in table wines.

In Douro, one can find two different types of winery: on the one hand, there are some modern wineries, which produce wines using modern technology; on the other hand, there are wineries where the grapes are still crushed underfoot in big schist or granite presses. Automated presses (which simulate underfoot crushing) started to be used in the region in the last decade of the 20th Century.

A fundamental step in the production of Port is fortification, i.e., to stop alcoholic fermentation adding vinous alcohol at 77% alcohol volume. Afterwards, the wine is poured into winy barrels or wood tuns. The wine is usually transported to the cellars in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia, where it ages according to the type of Port wine to be produced.

The reason why the wine is transported to Vila Nova de Gaia is because the high temperatures in Douro could damage the wine’s quality. In ageing warehouses moisture is high, temperature is relatively stable throughout the year, and the floor is usually of earth, in order for the moisture levels not to fluctuate. This allows to maintain the wine’s fruity character for longer, and the different blends to which the wine is subject endow it with complexity.

Port wines are grouped in different categories depending on the type and period of ageing. These wines are characterised by their high alcohol content, low acidity and great intensity of colour and aroma (usually of red fruit). Vintage Port is produced from a single harvest and is the highest quality type of Port wine.

Red wines are velvety, rich in colour and aromas, and have good ageing potential. White wines are light, fresh and very aromatic. Besides Port, Douro also produces the fortified Moscatel do Douro, from the Moscatel Galego grape variety.

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