Portuguese white wine

White wine is made throughout Portugal, from the Vinho Verde region’s northern tip to Alentejo’s southern region.

Portugal is known for its vast array of native grape varieties, and while some wines are made from a single variety, many are blends of two or more. It’s common to find white blends in regions such as Vinho Verde, Douro and Dão, where winemakers create a harmonious balance from different grape characteristics.

Single-varietal wines are becoming more popular. For example, full-bodied Alvarinho from Vinho Verde and Encruzado from Dão are two examples of well-known single-varietal Portuguese white wines that showcase the distinct qualities of the grape.

Whether blends or single varietals, Portuguese whites are typically affordable despite the premium quality of the wines produced, making them an appealing option for pairing with food or enjoying on their own.

Portugal is home to many unique and highly-regarded white wines from the following regions:

• Minho (Vinho Verde) – This is a unique wine, both a region and a style, hailing from the cool, rainy, northwestern corner of Portugal. Despite its direct translation to “green wine,” it refers to young wines meant to be consumed soon after bottling. Vinho Verde wines can be white, red or rosé, but the whites are the most well-known. They are typically light-bodied and high in acidity, with a touch of effervescence and prominent green apple, citrus and floral notes. Some popular grape varieties in white Vinho Verde wines include Alvarinho, Loureiro and Trajadura.
• Douro – While the Douro region is best known for its Port and red wines, it also produces excellent dry white blends. Viosinho, Rabigato, Gouveio and Malvasia Fina are common grape varieties. These wines can display a range of characteristics depending on the blend, but they often exhibit ripe citrus and stone fruit flavours with a vibrant acidity and subtle minerality.
• Dão – Dão is located in the northern part of central Portugal, with a temperate climate protected by mountains. Encruzado is the star white grape here, known for producing complex, full-bodied wines with great ageing potential. However, it also produces white blends using varieties such as Bical, Cercial and Malvasia Fina. Dão white blends are typically well-structured with good acidity, showing flavours of citrus fruits and a mineral edge.
• Alentejo – Located in southern Portugal, Alentejo’s climate is hot and dry. The region is known primarily for its red wines, but it also produces full-bodied, aromatic white wines, particularly using the Antão Vaz grape.
• Bairrada – Situated north of central Portugal, Bairrada has a maritime climate influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean. The region produces white wine blends from native Maria Gomes (Fernão Pires) Bical, Cercial and Arinto grape varieties. The proximity to the sea gives these wines a refreshing acidity, with aromas of green fruits and a touch of salinity.
• Setúbal – Located south of Lisbon, this region is known for its Moscatel de Setúbal, a fortified wine made from Moscatel Graúdo. However, it also produces white blends using Fernão Pires and Arinto grapes. These wines tend to be aromatic, with flavours of stone fruits, citrus and a smidge of minerality.
• Lisboa – This coastal region surrounding the capital city of Lisbon has a maritime climate. Arinto, Fernão Pires and Moscatel are commonly grown here, producing aromatic and fresh white wines.
• Tejo – Situated in central Portugal, Tejo has a hot, dry climate. White wines from Fernão Pires and Arinto grapes are typical here, often producing full-bodied, tropical-flavoured wines.

Some of the country’s most popular white wine grapes include:

• Alvarinho – Known as Albariño in Spain, Alvarinho is primarily grown in the Vinho Verde region. It produces full-bodied, high-acidity wines with pronounced aromas of citrus and stone fruits and a slight minerality.
• Antão Vaz – This grape is native to the Alentejo region. It creates rich, full-bodied wines with tropical fruit flavours and a smooth texture. Acidity levels can vary but are often moderate, making it an easy-drinking choice.
• Arinto – Also known as Pedernã in Vinho Verde, Arinto is loved for its high acidity and lemony flavours. The crisp, refreshing wines can have a mineral quality and are known for their ageing potential.
• Encruzado – This grape from the Dão region is known for producing complex, full-bodied white wines with flavours of green apple, lemon and toasted almonds. These wines often have a rich texture and vibrant acidity.
• Fernão Pires – Mainly grown in the Tejo and Bairrada regions, this highly aromatic grape makes wines with floral, citrus and tropical fruit notes. The wines are usually medium-bodied with a soft, almost creamy texture.
• Loureiro – A key grape in Vinho Verde, it produces highly aromatic wines with floral and citrus notes. The wines tend to have high acidity, a light body and a slight fizz.
• Malvasia Fina – Common in the Douro region, wines made from Malvasia Fina are typically medium bodied with delicate aromas of citrus and orchard fruits. They have medium acidity and a smooth texture. The taste of any wine can vary based on the region where it is produced, the specific blend of grapes used, and the winemaking techniques used.

Available in a wide range of styles, it’s no surprise that Portuguese white wines are highly versatile when it comes to food pairings.

Vinho Verde wines are light, slightly fizzy and refreshing, making them a good match for sushi, such as avocado maki and salmon nigiri, alongside fresh salads with tangy vinaigrettes.

If you prefer a richer white, try a glass of Antão Vaz with spicy Chinese or Indian food. This wine also pairs well with roast chicken or turkey. The wine’s full body allows it to avoid being overpowered, while its acidity cuts through the richness of these dishes.

Alvarinho, known for its high acidity and robust structure, pairs well with seafood or creamy pastas. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness of these dishes, while its citrussy freshness complements the food’s natural flavours.

Malvasia Fina’s medium body and moderate acidity make it a popular choice to serve with roast chicken and cheese boards, specifically those with a range of soft, creamy cheeses.

Portuguese white wines are best enjoyed when chilled. For light-bodied wines such as Vinho Verde, aim for a temperature between 7-10°C. Fuller-bodied wines such as an Alvarinho or Antão Vaz should be slightly warmer – serve these at around 10-12°C.

Use a standard white wine glass with a narrower bowl. This will help keep your wine cool and concentrate on the delicious aromas. If you’ve opted for a more full-bodied style of Portuguese white wine, an oversized white wine glass may be a better option to allow the aromas to deepen.