Arguably the most important and oldest demarcated region in the world, wine-growing in the Douro is lost in the mists of time. With three sub-regions defined according to climate differences, the Douro Region is very closely connected with the production of the famous Port wine. In the Douro region, SOGRAPE is present in the best places for the production of high-quality ports, with estates in the Cima Corgo and Douro Superior sub-regions.
   
   
History | Region and Area | Density and Planting | Production and Vinification
 
 
The Douro Region is characterised by very rocky soils on the surface, with large quantities of coarse materials, which allows for good root penetration, thus increasing water permeability. This type of soil offsets erosion and conditions a micro-climate near the vines, both through reflection of sunlight and the accumulation of heat during the day, followed by a gradual yielding during the night.

To the west the region is protected by mountains, chief among which is the Serra do Marão (1,415 m), shielding it from Atlantic conditions and providing a barrier, up to a point, to the high rainfall which characterises the lower Douro (Douro Litoral).

This is the reason why its westernmost part is still influenced by an Atlantic-type climate. This influence diminishes as one travels upstream, being replaced by an Atlantic-Mediterranean-type climate in its central parts and by an Iberian-Mediterranean-type one in Douro Superior.

Through the diversity of climatic characteristics, as well as of soil fertility, three sub-regions with somewhat different characteristics and potential were “naturally” defined: Baixo Corgo, comprising all the lower stretch of the Demarcated Region from Barqueiros to the mouth of the Corgo; Cima Corgo, from the latter to Cachão da Valeira – S. João da Pesqueira, and Douro Superior, stretching all the way to Spain (Barca d’Alva).

It is in the Baixo Corgo, with a total area of 45,000 hectares, that the largest concentration of vineyards can be found – 29.9% of the sub-region’ area. It is the most fertile of the three, the main reasons being the higher rainfall and the lesse difficulty of creating deeper soils. Fine fortified wines are produced here, Rubies and young Tawnies, as well as red and white table wines (VQPRD) with excellent oenological potential.

In Cima Corgo the landscape changes almost dramatically. Hill slopes become more rugged and river and stream valleys are deeper, while soil and climate conditions are harder. Of its 95,000 hectares, vineyards currently cover no more than 17.9%. Small ownership prevails but quality is generally high. Cima Corgo is the cradle of the great Tawnies and Vintages.

From Cachão da Valeira upwards one enters Douro Superior. It is the largest sub-region, with a total area of 110,000 hectares. However, only 7.3% of this area is planted with vineyards. In comparison with the other two sub-regions, Douro Superior is less mountainous, with generally softer slopes and less deep valleys. Its climate is typically Mediterranean-style, with the highest summer temperatures and annual rainfall of about 400 mm. It is an area of high-quality wines, especially Douro reds, as well as wines suitable for producing LBVs and Vintages.

From the whole of the planted area, only 26,000 hectares are allowed to produce Port Wine. The vines fit for production are selected and classified in accordance with well-defined criteria. Five years after having been planted vines may be considered for the production of Port Wine, with each plot being entitled to a given coefficient of fortification rights, in accordance with vineyard records.

Quinta do Seixo

Located in the Cima Corgo sub-region, in the Pinhão area which lies on the left bank of the Douro, Quinta do Seixo has a total area of 99 hectares and a wine-growing area of 64 hectares.

Quinta da Boavista

Located on the right bank of the Douro, in the Pinhão area and downstream of Quinta do Porto, Quinta da Boavista has a total area of 50 hectares and a wine-growing area of 39 hectares.

Quinta do Porto

Located on the right bank of the Douro, also in the Pinhão area, Cima Corgo sub-region, Quinta do Porto has a total area of 40 hectares and a wine-growing area of 24 hectares.

Quinta do Caêdo

It has vineyards on both banks of Caêdo stream. It has a total of 25 hectares, 18 of which with vineyard.

Quinta do Vau

It lies next to Quinta do Caêdo, towards the Douro, on the right bank of the Caêdo. It has a total area of 73 hectares, 63 of which with vineyards.

Quinta da Leda

It is located in Douro Superior, on the left bank of the Douro, near Almendra in the Vila Nova de Foz Côa district, in an area both inhospitable and ideal for the production of great table wines. Quinta da Leda has a total area of 144,25 hectares, with vineyards currently covering about 76,52 hectares.
 
 
Copyright © 2010 - Sogrape | Design & DevelopedWiz Interactive
Be responsible. Drink in moderation. Terms and conditions of use and privacy