Portugal – Tejo
A small mountainous region that borders the Douro in the North and the Dão in the South. The average elevation of the vines reach 500 to 800 meters (1,640-2,624 ft) above sea level. This high altitude coupled with a dry temperate climate and mineral rich soils, create the perfect micro-climate for making wines that are ideal for the production of sparkling wines. In fact, Távora-Varosa was the first region in Portugal to be demarcated for sparkling wines in 1989. There are roughly 2100 ha of vineyards divided into small parcels throughout the region and support over 10,000 viticulturists.
Sub-Regions
Almeirim, Cartaxo, Chamusca, Coruche, Santarém and Tomar
Microclimate
Warm climate with complex soils
Typical Varietals
Red: Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Castelão and Aragonês.
White: Fernão Pires, Arinto.
Terroir
North of the River is rolling hills and sweeping plains which contain limestone and clay soils and even further North, small schist deposits that encourage the vines to grow deeper roots.
To the south the land is flat and dry with poor sandy soils that force the vines to struggle and in return produce more complex fruit. With higher temperatures, the fruit is able to ripen faster comapred to the other areas.
Along the river’s edges it is a more maritime climate which moderates the temperatures giving the fruit from this area acidity, freshness and ample fruit character. Alluvial soils provide effective drainage and sustain the plethora of vineyards that are planted here.
Tejo Producers & Wines
Esporão
Founded in 1973 by José Roquette and Joaquim Bandeira, Esporão’s is one of the most important wine companies in Portugal. Esporão is also an ambassador of Portuguese culture, operating in a sustainable way, while building close ties with customers and consumers all over the world.
