Ep 563: Alentejo, Portugal -- Original Blends, Great Value

May 20, 2025

Discover the captivating Alentejo region of Portugal, renowned for its delightful and affordable wines. The podcast dives into the history of its winemaking, tracing the influences of various cultures on its unique blends. Listeners will explore the standout red grapes like Alicante Bouschet and the zesty whites such as Antão Vaz. With a focus on sustainable practices and diverse styles, this journey invites wine lovers to uncover the treasures of Alentejo. Get inspired to enjoy these fruity, lush wines that are perfect for every occasion!

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INSIGHT

Alentejo: Emerging Value Region

Alentejo in southern Portugal is a large, emerging wine region offering great value wines mainly under $20.
These wines are typically fruity, lush red blends great with grilled foods, with diverse styles including fruity whites.

INSIGHT

Key Red Grapes and Their Roles

The main red grapes in Alentejo include Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez (Tempranillo), and Trincadeira.
Trincadeira adds acidity and floral notes to balance the lower acidity of Aragonez and Alicante Bouschet in blends.

INSIGHT

White Grapes and Blending Strategy

Antão Vaz is the key white grape offering tropical and citrus fruit with fullness.
It is often blended with higher acidity grapes like Arinto to maintain balance and freshness in white wines.

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This week I go in depth on one of the best value regions of Portugal -- Alentejo. These wines are mainly blends and they are as easy on the palate as they are on the wallet -- a perfect combo!

Photo: Vineyards in Alentejo outside of Évora. Credit: WFNP

Located in southern Portugal, a two hour drive east of Lisbon, Alentejo is huge -- representing almost one-third of the Iberian nation. Although in the past the region was known only as the breadbasket of Portugal and as the world's largest supplier of cork (nearly half of the world’s corks come from Alentejo's cork trees), today the region is experiencing a wine renaissance. After a rocky history, Alentejo has grown and its reputation has expanded with it.

Known for fruity, lush and plush red blends (about 75% of the wine) of grapes like Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez (Tempranillo), Trincadeira, Alfrochero, and Castelão, there are some higher end versions that sometimes contain Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah as well. The whites are in the minority and are fruity, soft, yet balanced blends as well. The tropical, tangerine noted and soft Antão Vaz is Alentejo’s most important white with Arinto used for acidity, Fernão Pires for aroma and soft textures and Roupeiro for aroma as well.

Map: Rota dos Vinhos, from the Wines of Alentejo

This show covers all the bases on this fascinating region -- from its turbulent history to the climate, terroir, and the many DOPs that each have a distinct identiy.

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