– IT’S THE UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION THAT DEFINE ITS WINES –

The mountainous terrain, extensive Algarve coastline, and the Mediterranean and Atlantic influences of its climate are the characteristics that mark Algarve wines. 

In the region, vineyard culture coexists with traditional fruit trees in the Algarve, such as the fig tree, almond tree, and carob tree. 

These conditions also have implications for the complete ripening of grapes, with a direct influence on the quality of wines, in terms of smoothness, sweetness, and aromatic expression of grape varieties, applied to the 3 product categories: Wine, Fortified Wine, and Sparkling Wine. 

The characteristics of the soil, sun exposure, climate, and the surrounding mountain ranges to the north, maritime influence, and human factors expressed in cultural practices and grape selection allow for the production of wine with Algarve Geographical Indication. 

– RED WINES –

Produced from indigenous grape varieties such as Negra Mole and other traditional and international varieties, perfectly adapted to the region‘s terroir, they mostly result from a blend of several grape varieties with complexity and richness, imparting them with a characteristic Algarve profile. There are also good single-varietal wines. Algarve red wines with Geographical Indication are smooth, presenting a perception of sweetness, smoothness, and alcohol, with low acidity and gentle astringency resulting from the high temperatures that characterize the region‘s climate. 

– WHITE WINES –

Produced by blending several grape varieties or single varietals. They are typically delicate and smooth, sweet, and slightly alcoholic, very fruity, and with light acidity. They may show wood aging. 

– ROSÉ WINES –

Produced from a slight maceration of red grapes, they have a pink color and are aromatic but smooth and sweet with mild acidity. 

– FORTIFIED WINES –

The Algarve region has a long tradition in fortified wine production. Until brandy emerged in the 17th century, raisin wines were made, a Mediterranean tradition. Grapes were left to dry in the sun to gain concentration and sugar. 

• • In Algarve Fortified Wines with Geographical Indication, sweet white Moscatel grapes have always been the most used for this type of product, which present a golden color with floral, honey, and jam aromas. 
  • Algarve Fortified Wines with Geographical Indication, dry white wines, produced from the Crato Branco/Síria grape, have a wire color with aromas of dried fruits. The taste is completely dry, complex, and elegant, ending with a prolonged finish. 
  • Algarve Fortified Wines with Geographical Indication, sweet red wines, mainly produced from the Negra Mole, Castelão, and Trincadeira grapes planted in sandy-loam soils, have a dark garnet color, aroma of dried fruits and candied fruit, very elegant and soft. 

– SPARKLING WINES –

With Geographical Indication Algarve, the younger wines present floral or fruity aromas, while the older ones show aromas from the more or less prolonged contact with the lees of the second fermentation.  

As for sweetness level, these sparkling wines are classified as Brut, Dry, or Medium-Dry. 

• • White sparkling wines generally have an open straw color. They are usually delicate, smooth, and very fruity. 
  • Red sparkling wines generally have a ruby color that evolves with aging to a topaz tone. They are dry, smooth, full-bodied, fruity with tropical fruit aromas, and slightly acidic, with noticeable alcohol. 
  • Rosé sparkling wines are produced from a slight maceration of red grapes, generally presenting a slightly pink color, with fine persistent bubbles. They are delicate, smooth, with slight acidity, fruity aroma, and rich in red fruit notes.