Portugese Sparkling Wines

Portugal has many wine regions across the country, some with official designations labelled D.O.C. (Denominação de Origem Controlada). The Bairrada region in particular is known for it’s clay soils ideal for sparkling wine. Portugal has a large array of grape varieties which differ from location to location.

Here’s a few Portuguese sparkling wines, also called espumante, worth getting to know.

Murganheira – visit
The fertile land of the Varosa Valley is the birthplace of Murganheira sparkling wines, known for their high quality.

Try: Murganheira Réserve Brut & Murganheira Vintage Pinot

Aliança – visit
Aliança was founded in 1927 and now exports to 60 countries. The company has several estates and around 600ha of land in regions including Alentejo, Douro, Dão, Bairradas and Beiras, exploring around 600 ha of winery.

Try: Aliança Reserva Tinto Brut (sparkling red)

Kompassus
João Póvoa is an expert in Bairrada wine, a Portugese region with the highest wine classification. Teaming up with renowned wine maker Anselmo Mendes, Kompassus wines quality and performance were brought forward.

Try: Kompassus Espumante Blanc de Noirs 2011 & Rosé 2011

Cartuxa – visit
‘Cartuxa’ is an umbrella brand of the Cartuxa Winery, who also deal with wine tourism and olive oil alongisde producing wine. There are currently over 400 hectares of land under vines, which are closely monitored and replanted.

Try: Cartuxa, DOC Alentejo – Evora Sparkling Brut Reserva 2009