Portuguese wine regions

Távora Varosa

A bit of history

The story goes that the production of sparkling wine in the region dates back to the XII century, thanks to Cistercian monks, whom, between the duties of praying and labour, managed to find the time to produce and enjoy these fine wines.

Távora-Varosa is a small, remote, mountainous region in the north of the VR Beiras, bordering on the Douro to the north, and the Dão region to the south. The climate is continental, with extremes of temperature, and vines grow at 500 to 800 metres above sea level on granite or schist soils.

At this altitude, the grapes retain good acidity and fruit, and are perfect for production sparkling wines – indeed this was the first region in Portugal to be demarcated for sparkling wines, in 1989.

What to expect?

The region has been giving us some tranquil reds and whites. Yet, its sparkling wines are what it is know for – and there is good reason for that. Brands like Murganheira, Terras do Demo, among others, are some of the Portuguese consumers’ favourites. It you go for the top level bottles, you will be surprised with how they compare to some of the most notorious (and somehow more ordinary) champagne brands.

Sparklings

Citric, rubi or red, you can expect them to be fruity and balanced. Served fresh, the best in breed will award you with elegance and fine acidity. We believe these are a top pick to enjoy fish, seafood and seasoned salads. Top level sparkling will pair brilliant with fatty meats, like suckling pig.

Common varieties: Bical, Cerceal, Chardonnay, Fernão Pires and Pinot Noir.

Reds

Pale rubi reds. These are light, smooth wines, with an interesting freshness.

Common varieties: Alvarelhão, Aragonês, Pinot Tinto, Tinta da Barca, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Francesa and Touriga Nacional

Whites

Citric colour and an intense citric aroma, which makes these rather fresh wines.

Common varieties: Bical, Chardonnay, Cerceal, Dona Branca, Fernão Pires, Folgasão, Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, Malvasia Rei and Pinot Branco.

Adapted from: CVR Távora-Varosa, Wikipedia.