Alentejo: Portugal’s Wine Treasure Discover the Voices of Tradition and Innovation DISCOVER

A Region Defined by Diversity and Excellence

Alentejo is one of Portugal’s most celebrated wine regions, known for its sprawling vineyards, sunlit landscapes, and a tradition of winemaking that stretches back millennia. With a perfect blend of ancient techniques and modern innovation, the wines of Alentejo offer something for everyone—from bold, full-bodied reds to crisp, refreshing whites.

Through Canto Lusitano, we celebrate this diversity, bringing you wines that echo the rich tapestry of Alentejo’s culture, history, and terroir.

Alentejo is vast and diverse, encompassing eight sub-regions, each with its own microclimate and unique influence on the wines. From the hotter, drier south to the cooler, more fertile north, the region offers an extraordinary variety of wines, united by a signature richness and balance.

Eight Sub-Regions, One Legendary Wine Identity

  1. Portalegre:
    Located in the cooler northern part of Alentejo, this sub-region benefits from high-altitude vineyards on the slopes of the Serra de São Mamede. Portalegre produces elegant, balanced wines with vibrant acidity and fine tannins.

  2. Borba:
    Known for its structured and age-worthy reds, Borba’s limestone and clay soils lend a mineral character to its wines.

  3. Redondo:
    The wines from Redondo are approachable and fruit-driven, reflecting the region’s warm climate and rich soils.

  4. Évora:
    A sub-region of cultural and historical significance, Évora produces robust reds and aromatic whites, often blending tradition with modern winemaking.

  5. Reguengos:
    Located in the heart of Alentejo, Reguengos is synonymous with full-bodied reds and rich whites, often showcasing the Alentejo’s iconic grape varieties like Aragonez and Antão Vaz.

  6. Granja-Amareleja:
    One of the hottest areas in Portugal, Granja-Amareleja is known for its intensely ripe and concentrated wines, especially reds.

  7. Vidigueira:
    A cooler sub-region compared to the rest of Alentejo, Vidigueira excels in fresh, aromatic white wines as well as smooth reds.

  8. Moura:
    Situated near the Spanish border, Moura produces powerful, full-bodied wines with ripe fruit and earthy tones.

Together, these sub-regions contribute to Alentejo’s reputation as a dynamic and versatile wine region.

A Rich Mosaic of Grape Varieties

Alentejo’s eight sub-regions provide the perfect backdrop for a wide range of grape varieties, both red and white. The interplay of soil types and microclimates lends each grape a distinct expression, showcasing the region’s diversity.

  • Red Grapes:

    • Alicante Bouschet:
      Alentejo’s signature red variety, Alicante Bouschet thrives in the hot climates of Granja-Amareleja and Reguengos, producing deeply colored, full-bodied wines with flavors of black fruit, spice, and earthy undertones.

    • Aragonez (Tempranillo):
      Widely grown across Alentejo, Aragonez adapts beautifully to the region’s diverse soils. In Borba, it yields structured reds with ripe fruit and firm tannins, while in Moura, it develops richer, more concentrated flavors.

    • Trincadeira:
      Known for its bright acidity and herbal aromas, Trincadeira flourishes in Vidigueira, where the cooler climate enhances its elegance and balance.

    • Touriga Nacional:
      Portugal’s emblematic grape finds a unique expression in Évora, producing floral, bold, and well-structured wines with exceptional aging potential.

  • White Grapes:

    • Antão Vaz:
      This Alentejo classic shines in Vidigueira, where it produces aromatic whites with tropical fruit notes, citrus, and a touch of minerality. It is often enjoyed as a varietal wine but also plays a vital role in blends.

    • Arinto:
      Found throughout Alentejo, Arinto excels in Redondo and Portalegre, where its natural acidity brings freshness and balance to whites and blends.

    • Roupeiro (Síria):
      Thriving in the high-altitude vineyards of Portalegre, Roupeiro contributes floral and citrus notes, along with a crisp finish.

These indigenous and international varieties, shaped by the diverse conditions of Alentejo’s sub-regions, form the foundation of the region’s renowned wines.

Nature’s Perfect Canvas for Winemaking

Alentejo’s landscape is as diverse as its wines:

  • Climate: Long, hot summers and cool nights help grapes develop rich, concentrated flavors.
  • Soil: A mix of schist, clay, granite, and limestone imparts mineral complexity to the wines.
  • Vineyards: Rolling hills and wide plains provide ideal conditions for both traditional and innovative viticulture.

These elements combine to produce wines with a unique sense of place—each bottle telling the story of Alentejo.

Ancient Techniques, Modern Excellence

Alentejo has a rich winemaking heritage dating back to Roman times. Some wineries still use talha (amphora)—large clay pots—for fermentation, a method that has been passed down for centuries.

Today, this tradition exists alongside state-of-the-art winemaking techniques, allowing Alentejo’s winemakers to craft wines that honor the past while embracing the future.

Through Canto Lusitano, we partner with passionate winemakers who embody this balance, ensuring that every wine we share reflects the heart of Alentejo.

Voices of the Region in Every Bottle

Canto Lusitano brings you a curated selection of wines that highlight Alentejo’s diversity and excellence:

  • Full-Bodied Reds: Perfectly capturing the power and richness of the region’s terroir.
  • Elegant Whites: Fresh, aromatic, and bursting with personality.
  • Versatile Blends: Masterfully combining the best of Alentejo’s native and international grape varieties.

Each wine is a tribute to the region’s unique character, crafted with care and passion.

Some facts

  • “Did you know Alentejo accounts for nearly one-third of Portugal’s vineyard area?”
  • “Talha wine—fermented in clay pots—is a UNESCO-recognized tradition in Alentejo.”
  • “Alentejo’s climate allows for sustainable winemaking with minimal intervention.”
  • “Did you know that Alentejo produces both bold reds and some of Portugal’s most refreshing whites, thanks to grapes like Antão Vaz and Arinto?”
  • “Alentejo’s clay-rich soil and amphora winemaking techniques have been used for over 2,000 years!”
  • “Alicante Bouschet is often called the ‘Painter’s Grape’ because of its deep, staining juice!”

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