THE FUTURE

Despite Portugal's long-standing reputation as a red wine country, white wines are becoming increasingly popular. Because of phylloxera, fashion, and a focus on producing high-yielding, neutral grape varieties for distillation or mass wine production, Portuguese white wine has historically been overlooked. However, the introduction of stainless steel and temperature control has significantly improved the quality of white winemaking.

While white vineyards in Portugal remain largely unorganized, enterprising winemakers are gradually identifying the most promising grapes and attempting to produce serious white wines. Despite the warm climate of southern Portugal, Arinto retains its acidity and thrives in the tiny enclave of Bucelas, northeast of Lisbon. The best Arinto comes from Estremadura and has a delightful leafy, lemon and lime character. Arinto is also valued for its ability to boost acidity in Alentejo and Terras do Sado wines.

Due to a grape shortage in the Douro for white port, producers have shifted their focus to white grape varieties. Dirk Niepoort and Quinta dos Roques, in particular, have already demonstrated that they can not only walk but also run with the best. White wine accounts for more than 40% of total wine production in Portugal, and there are some intriguing indigenous white grapes in the country's white wines.

Although white winemaking in Portugal has been plagued by poor vintages and poor management, Vinho Verde briefly restored Portuguese white wines to international prominence in the 1980s. Despite the difficulties, there is still much to be said about Portugal's white wines. Portugal's incredible endowment of native white grapes is sure to take center stage alongside its red brethren with the right techniques and varietals.Website