Symington Family of Wines 5 Items Follow

Best known for intense, impressive and age-worthy fortified wines, Portugal relies almost exclusively on its many indigenous grape varieties. Bordering Spain to its north and east, and the Atlantic Ocean on its west and south coasts, this is a land where tradition reigns supreme, due to its relative geographical isolation. A long and narrow but small country, Portugal claims considerable diversity in climate and wine styles, with milder weather in the north and significantly more rainfall near the coast.

While fortified wine made Portugal famous, Portugal is also an excellent source of dry red and white wines of various styles.

The Douro Valley produces full-bodied and concentrated dry red wines which include Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca and Tinto Cão, among a long list of others in minor proportions.

Other dry wines include the tart, slightly effervescent Vinho Verde white wine, made in the north, and the bright, elegant reds and whites of the Dão as well as the bold, and fruit-driven reds and whites of the southern, Alentejo. Explore Barraida, Beira Interior, and Lisboa for even more diversity.