White 15-15,5/20 or 86-89/100 pts 0.75l

Description

Our White Espumante selection from Portugal with a tasting note of 15-15,5/20 or 86-89/100 rating points ♦

The finest and elegant Portuguese sparkling wine is made in Tavora-Varosa valley the most suitable for the bubbly. Situated between cold mountains the vineyards planted in an average height of 600 meters north very close to the Douro.

Here in Beiras, Távora-Varosa (Ucanha, Tarouca and Murganheira) is located the first Ciscterciense monastery in Portugal. Apparently these monks brought the production of sparkling wine and here draw up the best and finest Portuguese sparkling wine with a French touch, its sleek profile, fresh and alive. A notable knowledge influence of these "middle-age wine makers" who belonged to the same religious order of Don Perignon (inventor of the second fermentation method in the bottle).

Espumante or sparkling wine is produced throughout Portugal even underneath extreme temperatures and arid climate like the southern region of the Alentejo. Lamego has the famous Raposeira sparkling, Bairrada has a virtuous sparkling and there many others terrific Portuguese sparklings to choose from. Portugal produces good quality sparkling wines traditionally from these regions but also from Azeitão, Trás-os-Montes and Douro which are excellent choices. In recent years the Vinho Verde and Bucelas regions, owing to their good natural conditions, have invested heavily in the production of sparkling wines, with Dão, Alentejo and Ribatejo thus following well, this general trend.

A sparkling wine in Portugal has to be certified as a quality Espumante and stamped with the VEQPRD (Quality sparkling wine produced in determined region - Vinho Espumante de Qualidade Produzido em Regiao Determinada), a sparkling wine made in the traditional champagne, charmat method anywhere in Portugal, or have a VFQRD (Quality sparkling wine produced in determined region- Vinho Frisante de Qualidade Produzido em Regiao Determinada) certification, a regional sparkling wine made in the traditional champagne or charmat method.

Wine produced under the DOC or IPR classification is called VQPRD.

There are also the “Espumosos”  the cheapest and lowest level of sparkling wine non qualify, made by injecting the wine with CO2.

In Portugal most sparkling wine are made through the traditional method, a simplification of the classical method Champenoise process that involves a second fermentation, giving the wine foam, this method used wisely with the native varieties gives rise to our magnificent Espumantes.

The main Portuguese grapes for sparkling wine are: Alfrocheiro Preto, Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Baga, Castelão, Negra mole, Touriga nacional, Trincadeira, Malvásia Fina, Cercial,  Arinto and the varieties Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. 

Choosing this wine you will obtain a White Espumante with a tasting note of 15-15,5/20 or 86-89/100 points of one of this Portugal’s Sparkling wine regions.​

Product images are for illustrative purposes only.

History

The production of sparkling wine in Portugal began with Raposeira and Murganheira being the brand leaders.

A field that began to be opened by the depression which made the consumption of Champagne wines less affordable generating need to produce quality domestic sparkling wines. Sparkling wine or "espumante" the Portuguese word for it, has evolved greatly in quality and increased consumption, creating a space and filling occasions that were typically celebrated with Champagne.Portugal has good natural sparkling wines, traditionally in areas like Lamego, Trás-os-Montes, Bairrada, Beiras and Azeitão.In the northern region of Beiras bordering the Douro region, is the DOC Távora-Varosa, situated at high altitude, a small region, yet very important in the production of sparkling quality wines, getting  the finest, elegant and fresh from Malvasia Fina with an increase production of the typical Champagne grape varieties (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir).

The white varieties are predominant in this region, Malvasia Fina, Cercial, Gouveio and Chardonnay. The red varieties best planted are Touriga Francesa, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Pinot Noir. Bairrada DOC sparkling have a high reputation where the variety Baga is the "queen", these are more informal and alive, made from the pressing of Baga, Touriga Nacional or the scented Maria Gomes, Arinto, Bical and sometimes Chardonnay.

A well-deserved reputation for their quality, lively and relaxed taste, with a powerful local ally that complement them perfectly: the famous "Leitão da Bairrada", the traditional crunchy roasted suckling pig dish that draws followers from all corners of Portugal and even the world.

Refreshing in the summer hot and warm in cold winter, sparkling wines are perfect with seasoned salads its acidity and the delicate sweetness of the sparkling wine combine perfectly, also matching with fish and seafood dishes that are very common in Portuguese cuisine.Also, they are the key ingredient in the making of the ever present and even fashionable "Sangria de Champanhe" – be it sweet or demi-sweet – together with fruits, a delicious combination of flavours.