From its geography to the shape of its vineyards, everything in Portugal has a hint of individuality. This country was the first to regulate the way of making wine, they had to learn to sow on the slopes of the mountains, called "terraces", fortify their wines, and even heat or “cook” some wines to give them a distinctive touch. Thanks to all of this, Portugal continues to scale and resonate with its famous neighboring countries like Spain and France.
Portugal is the third country in the world and has the largest number of native grapes. Some of the main varietals are Albariño, Arinto and María Gómes in whites and Baga, Castelao, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz.
The region of Portugal is divided by 2 important rivers of the country: the Tagus and the Douro (the Spanish Duero) with the North, Center and South zones; each of them delivering distinctive and enchanting wines. If you want to learn about Portugal’s most important fortified wine, Click Here!
To better understand the wine in Portugal and the sustainable changes that have been implemented in its wine regions, it is important to explain the situations that this country has had to face in the past years. The fires in Portugal are becoming more and more recurrent during the summer; In 2017, central Portugal experienced one of the most devastating fires the country has ever had. In addition, due to climate change, the country endures droughts, floods and sudden temperature changes that are not at all favorable for the vine. Portugal, as well as other important wine regions in the world, know that the direction towards sustainable practices in the vineyard and cellar are imminent.
Alentejo is one of the main wine-growing areas in all Portugal and is located in the south of the country. This region, composed of more than 54 thousand acres of planted vines, is famous for its production of wines with native varieties, and it is also one of the main promoters of sustainable viticulture in the entire country.
In 2015 they launched a program called the “Alentejo Wine Sustainability Program” (PSVA). This program is currently operating in more than 45% of the region's vineyards, being adopted by its main wine-producing wineries. PSVA is an initiative with the purpose of supporting the environmental, social, and economic improvement of all activities related to the wine industry in the region.
The main objective with these sustainability measures is to reduce the negative environmental and social impact and improve winemaking practices, all of this, while achieving better wines. In the vineyard, through the implementation of permaculture, animals that can generate compost and reduce or eliminate herbicides and pesticides. In the winery, through reduction of water use, recycling and use of renewable energy.
The reality is that a sustainable vineyard gradually ceases to be a luxury and becomes a necessity. Sustainable promotes prosperity in all social, economic and environmental aspects. Learn why The World Needs Real Wine for a Sustainable Future.
If you want to learn more about Portugal Wines. Click Here.
Read: 10 of the Best Sustainable Wineries Around the World
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