In recent years, the wineries in Ribatejo underwent a technological revolution, which is mainly visible in the grape varieties grown and the style of wines produced in the region.

The dominant white grape variety in the region is Fernão Pires, which shares soils with other Portuguese and foreign grape varieties, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The good performance of some non-indigenous grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Shyrah or Merlot stands out in red grape varieties.

The great change in the winemaking processes was that the must is now allowed to stay in contact with the berries’ skins for longer periods of time. This way, white wines undergo skin maceration and red wines are subject to prolonged maceration.

White wines from Ribatejo are characterised by a smooth freshness and should be drunk young. They are usually citrine coloured with aromas of yellow apple and citric fruits.

Red wines are full bodied, deeply coloured and have soft, round tannins. Their flavour is extremely persistent and they have very complex, fruity aromas. These wines are easily drunk while still young.

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