Douro
Douro (Portuguese: [ˈdo(w)ɾu]) is a major wine region in northern Portugal, centred on the valley of the Douro River. It is one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions, established in 1756, and is most renowned as the birthplace of Port wine. Today, it also produces a growing range of unfortified wines that reflect the region’s unique terroir.[1]
Background
Viticulture in the Douro Valley dates back at least to Roman times, with evidence of organised vineyard cultivation along the steep slopes of the river basin.[2] In 1756, the Portuguese government created the Companhia Geral da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro, marking the Douro as one of the first officially demarcated and regulated wine regions in the world.[3] This early regulation sought to protect the quality and authenticity of Port wine, which had become a significant export to Britain and beyond.
Geography and viticultural conditions
The Douro wine region stretches along the Douro River and its tributaries, from just east of Porto to the Spanish border. Vineyards are planted on steep schist and granite slopes, often requiring terraced viticulture due to gradients that can exceed 30 degrees.[4] The climate is largely continental, with hot, dry summers and cold winters, but Mediterranean influences temper extremes in some valleys. Rainfall decreases markedly from west to east, influencing grape ripening and wine style.
Grapes and wine styles
The region is home to a wealth of indigenous grape varieties, the most important of which are Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cão.[5] These varieties form the backbone of Port wine production, but are also used in increasingly acclaimed red and white still wines. Port wines range from youthful ruby styles to long-aged tawnies and vintage Ports, while unfortified Douro wines often emphasise richness, structure, and mineral character. White wines, though less common, are made from grapes such as Rabigato and Viosinho.
Economic and cultural role
The Douro Valley’s economy has historically been shaped by the Port trade, with Port houses often managed by Anglo-Portuguese families that dominated exports from Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.[6] Since the late 20th century, there has been a surge in the production of high-quality unfortified wines, driven by new investment and a desire to showcase the diversity of the region’s terroirs.[7] Today, the Douro remains a cultural symbol of Portuguese viticulture and a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised for its dramatic vineyard landscapes and historic role in shaping European wine regulation.
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Symington, Port and the Douro, Mitchell Beazley, 2004.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.
- ↑ Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e Porto (IVDP), ivdp.pt.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Symington, Port and the Douro, Mitchell Beazley, 2004.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.
[[Category:Wine regions]