Beira Interior: Elevating Wines with Mountain Majesty Where High-Altitude Vineyards Meet Ancient
Winemaking Traditions
DISCOVER

A Region of Altitude and Authenticity

Beira Interior, located in the eastern heart of Portugal, is one of the country’s most underrated wine regions. Surrounded by the Serra da Estrela, Serra da Marofa, and Serra da Gardunha mountain ranges, this region’s high-altitude vineyards produce wines with freshness, elegance, and a distinct sense of place.

Beira Interior is divided into three sub-regions—Cova da Beira, Castelo Rodrigo, and Pinhel—each contributing unique characteristics to the wines. Its viticulture is deeply rooted in tradition, with many vineyards containing century-old vines and native varieties, reflecting the resilience and heritage of the land.

Three Sub-Regions, One Distinctive Character

  1. Cova da Beira:
    Nestled between the Serra da Estrela and Serra da Gardunha mountains, Cova da Beira is the largest and most diverse sub-region. Its wines are balanced, with fresh whites and structured reds benefiting from fertile soils and moderate altitudes.
  2. Castelo Rodrigo:
    Located in the northeastern part of Beira Interior, this sub-region is characterized by schist soils and high altitudes, producing mineral-driven whites and reds with lively acidity and complexity.
  3. Pinhel:
    Found in the northern part of the region, Pinhel’s granite soils and cool climate create delicate, aromatic whites and vibrant reds with soft tannins.

Granite, Schist, and Mountain Altitude

Beira Interior’s terroir is defined by its high altitudes, which range from 400 to 700 meters above sea level. The mountainous terrain creates a cooler climate with significant diurnal temperature variation, preserving acidity and enhancing aromatic expression in the grapes.

  • Cova da Beira: Fertile soils with diverse compositions, benefiting from mountain protection.
  • Castelo Rodrigo: Schist soils dominate, imparting minerality and depth to the wines.
  • Pinhel: Granite soils and cooler conditions lead to fresh, aromatic wines.

Blending Heritage with Innovation

Winemaking in Beira Interior dates back to Roman times, with many traditional practices still in use today. The region’s old vines, some over a century old, produce low yields of high-quality grapes. In recent decades, innovative winemakers have embraced modern techniques to bring the region’s wines to a global audience while preserving its authenticity.

Fresh, Elegant, and Distinctive

  • Still Reds:
    Beira Interior’s reds are marked by vibrant acidity, fine tannins, and flavors of red berries, herbs, and spice, making them ideal for aging.

  • Still Whites:
    The whites are fresh and aromatic, often with citrus, floral, and mineral notes, showcasing the high-altitude terroir.

  • Rosés:
    Delicate and refreshing, Beira Interior’s rosés offer bright red fruit flavors and crisp acidity.

Some facts

  • “Beira Interior is home to some of Portugal’s highest vineyards, with vines planted as high as 700 meters above sea level.”
  • “The region’s granite soils contribute to the distinctive minerality found in its wines.”
  • “Beira Interior has one of Portugal’s oldest winemaking traditions, dating back to Roman times.”

 

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