Beira Interior Wine Region

Portugal has established a strong position in the world wine market known for its unique grape varieties diverse terroir and exceptional quality wines. The country is renowned for its fortified wine Port as well asits still wines including Vinho Verde, Douro, Alentejo and Dão wines.

Has a rich diversity of terroirs offering unique growing conditions for various grape varieties. Emphasizing the specific characteristics of each region’s soil climate and microclimate can help establish a strong identity for Portuguese wines, such as Beira Interior Region due to the high altitude vineyards and grapes.

Portugal is home to numerous indigenous and unique grape varieties. such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alvarinho and Síria.

Beira Interior Region

The Beira Interior region was created in 1999 but has a winery past that dates back to the founding of the nationality. Lands with granitic soil, with an altitude between 500 and 700 meters and a cold climate in winter and very hot in summer.

Beira Interior is divided into three sub-regions, Castelo Rodrigo, Pinhel and Cova da Beira. Castelo Rodrigo and Pinhel, despite being separated by mountain ranges, share similar characteristics.

On the other hand, Cova da Beira is different, extending from the foothills of Serra da Estrela to the Tejo valley, south of Castelo Branco.

Several important attributes that characterize Beira Interior wines.

Beira Interior wines are known for their unique blend of grape varieties. Traditional grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Bastardo, Marufo are commonly used for producing red wines. For white wines, grape varieties like Arinto, Siria Fonte Cal, Malvasia Fina and some international grapes varieties.

The wine region has diverse terroir with vineyards located at higher altitudes and various soil types. The combination of continental climate granite schist and clay  soils contributes to the distinctive character of Beira Interior wines.

Altitude: It is the most mountainous region of continental Portugal, comprising some of the highest mountains in the country.

The region’s vineyards are situated at relatively high altitudes ranging from 400 to 700 meters.

This altitude along with the diurnal temperature variation provides ideal conditions for grape ripening leading to wines with great acidity freshness and complexity.

Beira Interior wines are often known for their ageing potential. Due to their balanced acidity tannins and structure, many red wines from this region can age gracefully developing greater complexity and depth over time.

Wines frequently display intense and complex aromatic profiles. Red wines often showcase notes of red and black fruits, spices earthy undertones and floral aromas.

White wines exhibit fresh citrus, tropical fruit and floral aromatics.

Beira Interior wines pair well with a variety of foods. The red wines’ robust character makes them suitable for pairing with hearty dishes like roasted meats stews and game while the white wines’ crispness and fruitiness complement seafood salads and light poultry dishes.

Traditional Winemaking Techniques: Many winemakers in Beira Interior region rely on traditional winemaking techniques preserving the unique heritage and authenticity of the wines.

These techniques often involve manual grape harvesting gentle pressing, native yeast fermentation and ageing in oak barrels contributing to the region’s
distinct wine style.

Overall the wines of Beira Interior possess a unique character that reflects the region’s terroir grape varieties and winemaking traditions. They are well worth exploring for wine enthusiasts looking for something different in the world of Portuguese wines.

LA FERRAZ

The Ferraz family has been producing wine for as long as there is memory.

The vineyards are our most valuable heritage, they are located in the village of Vale Flor, in the interior and center of Portugal. We have approximately 20 hectares with typically

Portuguese varieties, the vast majority of which are about half a century old and the rest more recent.

The average altitude of 600 meters, the granite soil and the microclimate help to produce unique grapes.

Just 3 years ago we bottled our first wines. Before that, we built a new winery and hired a young, but already experienced oenologist, trained at the most prestigious Portuguese University.

We currently have red and white wines, always with a designation of origin from the Beira Interior Region.

After many years of making good wines in a traditional way, with stone mills and cement vats, in 2017 we built a wine cellar with the latest technology for wine production and implemented strict quality control.

Our harvest is now made in boxes instead of the traditional baskets, which makes it possible for grapes to go to the winery in the best conditions. The sorting table for choosing the best grapes became a mandatory step, as well as fermentation’s controlled temperature.

We produce, on average, 45.000 liters of red wine and 15.000 of white wine.

The manufacturing control of the products is carried out by us, at all stages of production and that is why each year the wines are different, but always with guaranteed quality.

In addition to wine, we also produce olive oil, almonds and walnuts.

Wine, Love and Family

Bibliografia:

SOUVALL by LA FERRAZ Mountain Viticulture
https://www.winesofportugal.com/

Início

https://www.visitportugal.com/pt
https://www.vinhosdabeirainterior.pt/
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