The Beiras… the land of contrast

Stretching from the Spanish frontier to the sea, the Beiras region of central Portugal provides a natural link between the cool, green meadows of the north and the hot, dry pastures of the south. Coimbra, the provincial capital, is the birthplace of six kings and the seat of Portugal's first university, reputedly the second old est in the world. Its old cathedral is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. Further inland, the peak of the Serra da Estrela (Star Mountain) is the highest point on mainland Portugal. The terrain in the Beiras is diverse as is the climate and its flavours.

| Appellation

• Bairrada DOC

The vines in the Bairrada region are grown generally on flat land and region that is a major red wine producer in Portugal and is located on the coastal plain lying slightly inland from the sea to the town of Aveiro, and then south down to the town of Coimbra. The red wine produced here is noted for its smoothness and suavity, deep in colour and full-bodied, acquiring a brownish hue as it ages. The white wines are fairly robust, fruity with a hint of lemon. The rosé ranges in colour and are fresh and fruity. Sparkling wines are produced in white and rosé and range from “Brut” to “Medium Dry”.

For traditionalists the grape of choice in the Bairrada region is Baga, a grape variety notoriously difficult to ripen, which needs lots of aging to round off, usually in the local wood type barrels rather than american or french oak, but the hard work is worth it by far, and come recommended, the older the better.

Casa de Saima Reserva Tinto Bairrada DOC 2007 Although Saima's Reserva is mostly Baga, the touch of Touriga Nacional adds some extra flesh and floral notes to the full bodied Baga, making a most flavoursome combination. £7.00 a bottle. More Info [ go ]

Aliança Danubio Bruto Branco Espumante Bairrada DOC Soft flavour, but persistent, with an end slightly acidulous that confers freshness. £5.17 a bottle. More Info [ go ]

Comissão Vitivinicola da Bairrada's Official Website [ go ]

• Tavora Varosa DOC

This region is gifted with a dramatic terrain, namely of granite soils, high altitudes and seasoned Continental weather, making it ideally designed for wine growing. For the white wines this region offers unique conditions to achieve a high standard in quality. They are naturally acidic and fresh, with an intense bouquet and a citrus character. Equally the red wines achieve a delicate fragrance and nobility in body, achieving a special character, maturing with time. In the northern producing regions, nearer to the Douro, the "Távora-Varosa" red wines obtain stronger personality, with a special structure and singularity that impress the most demanding consumer.

Cooperativa Agricola do Tavora Terras do Demo Branco Espumante Távora-Varosa DOC Slightly citrine with small bubbles, Intensely and masterly aromas , like malvasia blossoms. Fresh and fruity flavours with a long end. £8.50 a bottle. More Info [ go ]

• Beira Interior DOC

This region is gifted with a dramatic terrain, namely of granite soils, high altitudes and seasoned Continental weather, making it ideally designed for wine growing. For the white wines this region offers unique conditions to achieve a high standard in quality. They are naturally acidic and fresh, with an intense bouquet and a citrus character. Equally the red wines achieve a delicate fragrance and nobility in body, achieving a special character, maturing with time.

In the northern producing regions, nearer to the Douro, the "Távora-Varosa" red wines obtain stronger personality, with a special structure and singularity that impress the most demanding consumer.

Quinta dos Currais Tinto Beira Interior DOC 2008 A clear and intense ruby colour, offering some purple reflexes. Has a pronounced aroma of a black plum and raspberry, wedded with nuances of vanilla, cinnamon and ginger. Demonstrates a good balance between alcohol, acidity and tannins. £5.00 a bottle. More Info [ go ]

Comissão Vitivinicola Regional da Beira Interior's Official Website [ go ]

• Vinho Regional (VR) Beiras

Those wines of good quality from the Beiras that don't adhere to the stringent DOC restraints or outside the designated areas. Some of Portugals most innovative winemakers decide to opt out of the appellation system.

Adega COOP Mealhada, Encostas do Bussaco Branco Vinho Regional Beiras 2008 Citric colour with a fruity aroma of citric fruit and green apple. In the mouth it is smooth, fruity, rounded and persistent. £3.00 a bottle. More Info [ go ]