Portugal has one of Europe’s richest collections of native grape varieties, with distinctive wine traditions found throughout its diverse regions. This month’s Explorer Wine Club highlights that heritage through a fresh, low-alcohol Vinho Verde from the country’s northwest, a traditional field blend from the historic vineyards of Ourém, and an approachable red blend that brings several Portuguese varieties together. The three wines offer a broad introduction to Portuguese wine, from bright, youthful styles to regional traditions that have been practiced for centuries.
Herdade do Rocim Goivo Vinho Verde 2024
This refreshing white wine is a blend of Loureiro, Trajadura, and Arinto, three traditional grapes of Portugal’s Vinho Verde region. Bright aromas of lime and citrus are joined by subtle notes of peach and a light mineral character. The grapes are harvested by hand and fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel to preserve freshness and vibrancy. With just 9.5% alcohol, it is crisp, lively, and easy to enjoy on a warm day. Pair with grilled shrimp or fish tacos.
The Producer: Herdade do Rocim
Herdade do Rocim is located in Portugal’s Alentejo region, where Catarina Vieira and Pedro Ribeiro have spent the last two decades transforming the estate into one of the country’s most respected modern wineries. They have invested heavily in both the vineyards and winery while maintaining a strong connection to Portuguese traditions. Rocim is particularly known for helping revive talha wines, an ancient style fermented and aged in large clay pots. The name “goivo” comes from an old Portuguese word meaning happiness.
The Region: Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde is located in the far northwest corner of Portugal, between the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains that separate Portugal from Spain. While many people think of Vinho Verde as a style of light, refreshing white wine, it is actually one of Portugal’s largest and most important wine regions. The name translates to “green wine,” likely referring to the tradition of drinking these wines while they are young and fresh. The region’s cool, maritime climate helps produce wines with bright acidity, moderate alcohol, and vibrant fruit character
This unique Portuguese wine is made from 80% Fernão Pires (white grape) and 20% Trincadeira (red grape), combining them in a style unlike most modern wines. Pale ruby in color, it offers aromas of red berries, flowers, yellow stone fruits, and subtle spice. The palate is fresh and lively, with bright acidity, light tannins, and a savory finish. Though difficult to categorize as white, rosé, or red, it is remarkably versatile at the table. Pair with salt cod fritters.
The Producer: Quinta do Montalto
Quinta do Montalto is a family-owned estate located near the historic town of Ourém in central Portugal. The property has been in the same family since the late nineteenth century, and today encompasses vineyards, orchards, gardens, and forestland. Certified organic, the estate focuses on native Portuguese grape varieties and traditional methods. While Montalto produces a range of wines, it is particularly known for preserving the rare Medieval de Ourém style, one of Portugal’s most distinctive historical winemaking traditions.
The Region: Encostas d’Aire (Medieval de Ourém DOC)
Encostas d’Aire is located in central Portugal, northeast of Lisbon. Within the region is the small Medieval de Ourém DOC, one of the country’s most unusual wine designations. The style dates back centuries and follows a traditional method in which white grapes begin fermentation first, then red grapes are added several days later. The resulting wine combines the freshness of white grapes with some of the color, structure, and fruit character of red grapes. Today, only a handful of producers continue to make Medieval de Ourém, preserving a local tradition that traces its roots to the Middle Ages.
This approachable red wine is made from a blend of native Portuguese grape varieties grown in clay and limestone soils. Aromas of ripe red fruit lead into a palate with balanced acidity, soft tannins, and notes of black pepper and spice. After fermentation in stainless steel, the wine spends four months in oak barrels, adding subtle texture and hints of vanilla and toast. Smooth and versatile, it is an easy companion for weeknight dinners and casual gatherings. Pair with grilled piri-piri chicken.
The Producer: Casa Santos Lima
The Santos Lima family has been farming in Portugal for generations. Their modern wine business takes its name from Joaquim Santos Lima, who acquired the family’s estate in the Lisboa region in the late nineteenth century. Agriculture remains at the heart of the operation, and the winery works extensively with native Portuguese grape varieties grown throughout the country. Today, Casa Santos Lima produces wines from several regions, reflecting the diversity of Portugal’s landscapes, climates, and winemaking traditions.
The Region: Lisboa
The Lisboa wine region stretches along Portugal’s Atlantic coast north of Lisbon. Once known primarily for large-scale production, the region has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few decades as producers have focused on quality and regional identity. The Atlantic Ocean plays a major role in shaping the wines, bringing cooling breezes that help preserve freshness and balance. Lisboa is also one of Portugal’s most diverse wine regions, producing everything from crisp whites to structured reds using both native and international grape varieties.
