Douro Wines
The first demarcated region of Portugal and the oldest wine region in the world (1756). Do not confuse with the Denomination of
Origin Porto, relative only to liqueur wines. From the vineyards of the Douro DOC are produced some of the best reds and whites of
Portugal. In addition to DOC Douro, the Regional denomination Duriense also applies to wines produced in the region.
Downtown Murça, High Douro © Google Earth
World Heritage
Classified as a World Heritage Site (Unesco), the vineyards of the Douro occupy one situated south of Trás-os-Montes, east of the Minho
and north of the Beiras. The west is bordered by Spain. They are spread on the slopes of the Douro River and tributaries and are generally
located between altitudes ranging from 100 to 700 meters.
Porto and Douro
These two prestigious denominations of origin (Porto and Douro) occupy the same geographical area of about 250,000 ha of vineyards. The
vineyard culture had always expanded further in the western part of the region, in the so-called Alto Douro (High Douro), than in the eastern part,
called the Upper Douro [1].
Vineyards at Peso da Régua, Baixo Corgo (Alto Douro) © Google Earth
Alto Douro, in turn, was subdivided into Baixo Corgo (more or less from Peso da Régua to the west) and Cima Corgo (to the east,
including Sabrosa, Alijó and Pinhão to the north of the river, south of the Douro, São João da Fishing) [1]. To know more about the
vineyards and vineyards planted in the Douro see Vinhedos do Douro
Moscatel do Douro
Wine produced exclusively from the Moscatel Galego Branco grape variety.
Variety of Breeds
For the production of the Douro Wine are used several national grape varieties, about 130 !. These include Gouveio and Malvasia Fina
(whites) and Touriga and Aragonez (reds). Some of these varieties: Barca, Patorra, Long Foot, Viosinho, Vital, Petit Bouschet, Sevilleo,
Sercial, Pinheira Branca, Bical, Fog, Syria, Barreto, Pinot Noir, Bastard, Semillon, Batoca, Cornifesto, Branco Guimaraes, Bragao,
Malvasia Parda, Malvasia Preta, Malvasia King, Tamarez, Malvasia Fina, Mouse, Marufo, Melra, Verdelho, Caramela, Malandra.
World Class Appetizer
Port Wine is recognized worldwide for its quality and value, being served in the main solemnities as a unique appetizer.
Wines of Douro © Ari Oliveira
Featured Quintas
At DOC Douro, our highlights go to Quinta da Leda, owned by Casa Ferreirinha (Sogrape), Quinta D. Maria and Quinta do Portal.