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Wines of Alentejo
Naturally
Unique
Get to know Alentejo
Before we dive deeper into the region, let’s cover the basics. Alentejo spans south-central and southern Portugal and is the country’s largest wine region in size (a third of the mainland). The landscape is rolling hills and plains, reminiscent of California, but with oh-so much history. The climate is decidedly Mediterranean, with abundant sunny days and sometimes oven-like temperatures, which can favour grape maturity and contribute to ripe fruit flavours and bold character. But it also turns up the heat on the future of the region, bringing producers together on a sustainable new challenge.
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Castelo de Terena Selection Regional Alentejano 2023 White wine | 750 ml Portugal , Alentejo
Fruity and vibrant
$10.95Available Online Available In store -
Fundacao Eugénio de Almeida Cartuxa EA Alentajano Red wine | 750 ml Portugal , Alentejo
Aromatic and robust
$18.15Available Online Available In store -
Ravasqueira Reserva da Familia Alentejano 2021 Red wine | 750 ml Portugal , Alentejo
Aromatic and supple
$19.95Available Online Available In store -
Available Online Available In store -
Not available Online Available In store -
Available Online Available In store
So much history
Alentejo’s wine history goes back thousands of years, pre-dating Roman times, its first vineyards likely introduced by ancient civilizations. Like in any great story, there were significant setbacks and challenges over time, like invasions and phylloxera, but Alentejo bounced back every time. One of the most defining chapters in its modern-day history was the1980s. Not the greatest decade for some, but for Alentejo, it was a turning point: the creation of DOC sub-regions (1988) and the Alentejo Regional Winegrowing Commission (CVRA, in 1989) cemented Alentejo’s status as a leading appellation.
Did you know?
Some Alentejo wines are still fermented in talhas de barro (clay amphorae) a legacy of Roman times unique to the region. The vessel’s porous material provides natural oxygenation, while its shape allows for natural movement of the wine during aging. It imparts an earthy, mineral character to the wines, all the while retaining grape purity.
There’s a place and time for classic varieties everybody knows –and can pronounce. But sometimes you want to shake things up and surprise your palate with unique wines, and a tong twister to boot. Home to one of the world’s richest collections of indigenous varieties, Alentejo offers a vast inventory for producers to play with and create singular cuvées with surprising nuances.
So, what does this uniqueness translate into? Alentejo reds are known to offer generous fruit and mocha flavours, and refined tannins from oak aging. Whites range from medium-bodied refreshers to fuller styles, not unlike Chardonnay.
Some of Alentejo’s unique grape varieties
White
Valued for its full body and tropical aromas. Very structured with good aging potential and balanced acidity.
Prized for its lively acidity and citrus flavours. Fresh and vibrant with mineral notes and excellent aging potential.
Wines are typically dry, fresh, and crisp, with citrus and floral notes.
RED
A grape with both red skin and red pulp, also known as "tintureira". One of the most iconic and beautifully adapted to the region.
A versatile red grape, widely cultivated in Alentejo, also known as Tempranillo in Spain. Intense colour, soft tannins, and aromas of red fruits and herbs.
Rich in red fruits, with more acidity and complexity. Often blended for balance.
Another reason behind the uniqueness of Alentejo wines is that contrary to some more restrictive appellations, wines under the PGI classification (Protected Geographical Indication) allow more flexibility in grape use, encouraging creativity alongside tradition.
Alentejo’s next great challenge: sustainability
Alentejo wines have a unique identify that winemakers (and customers!) want to preserve. But for everything to remain the same, it has to be done differently. Because wine production is totally dependent on natural resources, climate change is of course a challenge faced by vineyards across the globe, but some are literally feeling the heat more than others. Alentejo is one of Europe’s most climatically vulnerable regions, so for its producers, sustainability is about survival.
That’s where the Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Program (WASP) comes in. Officially launched to producers in May 2015, it aims to improve the environmental, social, and economic performance of wine production in Alentejo. It promotes eco-friendly practices such as water conservation, organic waste recycling, natural pest control, and cork use.
Besides the obvious conservation goals, the program is about empowerment for its members by giving them the tools and training that aim beyond specific tasks: pro-activity and continuous improvement, research and collaboration help build a shared strategy of sustainability for grape and wine production. Through an annual self-assessment based on a whopping number of criteria, members climb up the sustainability categories to reach the peak and then undergo third-party validation for certification.
Requires meeting at least 86% of the 171 criteria.
Certified wines can display a sustainability seal on the label.
As of 2023, 1 in 3 bottles produced in Alentejo carried the certification.
Perfect pairings
Bring the taste of Alentejo to your table with pairings that feel both familiar and refreshingly different. From farm to fork, Alentejo’s cuisine is rooted in seasonal ingredients, hearty grains, and fragrant herbs — the kind of comforting, down-to-earth cooking that resonates with any food lover. Think slow-cooked meals, savoury stews, and rustic dishes built around bread, olive oil, and locally raised meats. Lamb and artisanal cheeses offer rich, satisfying flavours that pair beautifully with Alentejo’s expressive wines and reflect the authenticity and a sense of place. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these pairings promise memorable moments around the table.
In partnership with:
CVRA - Alentejo Regional Winegrowing Commission
