Red and White Grape Varieties to Discover

Few countries grow as many of their own grape varieties as Portugal, and that is what gives our wines a taste you won't mistake for anywhere else. Today we're taking you on a tour of the country's best-known red and white grapes, with picks from our catalogue you can try at home.

Popular Red Grapes of Portugal

Portuguese red wines are known for their structure, complexity and ageing potential. Here are three of the most emblematic varieties:

1. Touriga Nacional: Considered by many to be the queen of Portuguese red grapes, Touriga Nacional is famous for its intense, complex aromas, typically floral (violet) and of ripe black fruits. Native to the Dão, but now planted all over the country, it produces full-bodied wines with firm tannins and excellent ageing potential. It is a fundamental grape in the still wines of the Douro and Dão, as well as in Port wine.
   • Bons Bagos suggestion: To experience the elegance of Touriga Nacional, we suggest the 100 Hectares Touriga Nacional 2023. A wine that shows the freshness and complexity of this grape in the Douro.
2. Aragonez (Tinta Roriz): Known as Tinta Roriz in the Douro and Dão, and Aragonez in the south (especially the Alentejo), this Iberian grape (Tempranillo in Spain) is extremely versatile. It produces wines with good structure, present yet elegant tannins, and aromas of red fruits such as plum and blackberry, sometimes with hints of spice. It is crucial in Douro and Port blends, and shines on its own in the wines of the Alentejo and Dão.
   • Bons Bagos suggestion: Discover the Alentejo expression of this grape with the Casa Relvas Aragonez 2021. A wine that highlights the fruit and spice notes typical of the variety.
3. Alicante Bouschet: Despite its French origin, this teinturier grape (with red-coloured flesh and juice) found its home of choice in the Alentejo. It produces wines of very deep colour, concentrated and structured, with aromas of wild berries, vegetal notes and sometimes cocoa. It is ideal for wines built to age and pairs perfectly with intense dishes.
   • Bons Bagos suggestion: Taste the power and colour of this grape in the Casa Relvas Alicante Bouschet 2021. An excellent example of how this grape adapts to the Alentejo terroir.

Popular White Grapes of Portugal

Portuguese white wines are increasingly appreciated for their freshness, aromatic diversity and food-friendliness. We highlight three essential varieties:

1. Alvarinho: The star of the Vinhos Verdes region, especially the Monção and Melgaço sub-region. It produces intensely aromatic wines, with citrus (grapefruit, lime), floral (orange blossom) and stone-fruit (peach, apricot) notes. It is characterised by its vibrant acidity, structure and minerality, with excellent ageing potential.
   • Bons Bagos suggestion: Feel the freshness and intensity of the Bagagem Alvarinho 2022. It comes from the Monção and Melgaço sub-region, and it's Alvarinho the way it should be.
2. Arinto: One of the most versatile and widespread white grapes in Portugal, with a special presence in the Bucelas region (Lisboa). It is known for its vibrant natural acidity, which gives it great freshness and longevity. Its aromas are typically citrusy (lemon, lime) and mineral, sometimes with notes of green apple. It produces elegant wines, both young and barrel-aged.
   • Bons Bagos suggestion: To appreciate the elegance and acidity of Arinto, we recommend the Ode Arinto 2022. A wine that shows the grape's potential in the Tejo region.
3. Encruzado: The queen of white grapes in the Dão region. It is responsible for some of the most complex and elegant white wines in Portugal. It presents delicate aromas, ranging from floral to citrus and mineral, with notes of stone fruit. It has excellent structure, balanced acidity and adapts wonderfully to barrel ageing, gaining complexity and ageing potential.
   • Bons Bagos suggestion: Discover the nobility of Encruzado with the Quinta de Lemos Dona Paulette 2020. A Dão that shows exactly why Encruzado is so prized.

This is only a sample of what Portugal has to offer. Have a look through these and other grapes in our catalogue, because your next favourite wine may already be waiting. Happy tasting!