Index
Uncovering Alentejo: Complete Guide to the Wine Region and its Exceptional Wines
An invitation to discover Alentejo, land of ancient stories, stunning landscapes and wines of unique character.
Sharing my passion for the region and its wines, the result of a life dedicated to Alentejo viticulture.
Presentation of the ebook as a complete guide for wine lovers and enthusiasts, with in-depth information about the region, its grapes, its wines and its producers.
Alentejo: An Exceptional Terroir
Geography and Climate: Uncovering the influence of the continental Mediterranean climate, with its hot, dry summers and mild winters, on the maturation of grapes and the style of wines.
Soils: Exploring the diversity of Alentejo soils, from schist and granite to clay-limestone, and their contribution to the complexity and elegance of wines.
Sub-regions: Mapping the 8 sub-regions of Alentejo (Borba, Évora, Granja-Amareleja, Moura, Portalegre, Redondo, Reguengos and Vidigueira), with their distinctive characteristics and typical wines.
Alentejo Grapes: A Mosaic of Varieties
Red Varieties: Presenting the main red varieties grown in Alentejo, such as Trincadeira, Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, Castelão and Touriga Nacional, with their aromatic profiles, structure and aging potential.
White Varieties: Describing the most important white grape varieties in the region, such as Antão Vaz, Arinto, Roupeiro and Verdelho, with their sensorial characteristics and their versatility in the production of white and rosé wines.
New Varieties: Exploring the emerging varieties that have gained space in Alentejo vineyards, such as Alfrocheiro and Syrah, and their potential for creating innovative wines.
Alentejo Wines: Diversity and Personality
Red Wines: Analyzing the different styles of red wines produced in Alentejo, from fruity and easy to drink to full-bodied and complex, with aging potential.
White Wines: Uncovering the range of Alentejo white wines, from fresh and aromatic to full-bodied and complex, with mineral notes and good acidity.
Rosé Wines: Exploring the production of rosé wines in Alentejo, with its different styles, from light and refreshing to full-bodied and gastronomic.
Fortified Wines: Addressing the tradition of fortified wines in Alentejo, such as Moscatel de Setúbal and Port Wine, with their unique characteristics and aging potential.
The Art of Winemaking in Alentejo
Tradition and Innovation: Analyzing the evolution of winemaking techniques in Alentejo, with the combination of traditional methods, such as fermentation in clay pots, with modern technologies, such as temperature control and micro-oxygenation.
The Role of the Winemaker: Describing the fundamental role of the winemaker in creating quality wines, from grape selection to bottling, and how their expertise contributes to the expression of the terroir and personality of each wine.
Enogastronomic Tour through Alentejo
Unmissable Wineries: Presenting a tour of the main wineries in Alentejo, with information about their stories, their wines, their facilities and the wine tourism experiences they offer.
Pairings: Suggesting pairings between Alentejo wines and the rich regional cuisine, with its traditional dishes and local products, such as cheeses, sausages and olive oil.
The Future of Alentejo Wine
Sustainability: Addressing the growing importance of sustainability in Alentejo viticulture, with the adoption of practices that aim to preserve the environment, conserve natural resources and social development.
Innovation: Exploring new trends and challenges that Alentejo wine faces, such as adapting to climate change, the search for new markets and the appreciation of regional identity.