Comments from the experts on the main production regions of Portuguese wines and what are the possible gastronomic harmonizations with the varieties of the drink
A drink which, for centuries, has been appreciated all over the world, having evidence in publications of the most diverse characters since ancient times, is wine. Each producing region has its own uniqueness, causing the drink to have different characteristics of flavour, aroma and acidity. Among the top producing nations in the world, Portugal stands out for having many wine regions, which results in a large variety of wines, including Port and Vinho Verde.
Second HIV (International Organization of Vine and Wine), in 2021 the three largest wine producing countries were Italy, France and Spain, followed by the United States, Australia, Chile, Argentina and South Africa. The ranking of the ten major wine producers continues with Germany and Portugal.
As for the production of Portuguese wines, according to the OIV, in 2021 the country cultivated around 977,664 tons of grapes, resulting in a production of 735.9 thousand cubic meters of beverage. Again according to the organization, in the same period, wine regions around the world it produced 69.432 million tons of fruit, resulting in 26.1 million cubic meters of beverage.
Nilton Serson, who currently resides in Portugal, points out that the most famous regions that define types of wine in Portugal are: Douro Valley, Alentejo, Dão, Bairrada (Beira Atlântico), Minho, Setúbal and Madeira, says lawyer Nilton Serson, which is in Portugal specialized in wines. He points out that the country has 14 GI (Geographical Indication) wine producing regions, which have detailed information on origin and specific characteristics. Transmontano, Terras de Cister, Tejo/Ribatejo, Algarve, Lisbon, Beira Interior and the Azores are other growing areas.
Within the 14 wine regions, Serson says there are 31 indications of DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), an internationally recognized certification system used to protect and promote high-quality wines. According to “The Essential Wine Guide: Wine Folly”, by Madeline Puckette and Justin Hammack, in addition to port, Portugal also produces dry wines with more than two hundred indigenous grapes.
The main Portuguese wines
Port wine is a fortified wine, specifically produced in the delimited region of the Douro, in the north of Portugal, which receives the addition of wine brandy during its elaboration process. “As the name suggests, wine brandy is a drink made by distilling wine,” he explains. Nilton Serson.
He points out that, among the main Portuguese wines, Vinho Verde stands out, which is the typical wine of the north of the country. “It’s very young, that is, it doesn’t age much and it can be white, rosé or red,” he explains. Madeira wine, like port wine, is sweet and has a high alcohol content. With such a variety of native grapes, Portugal produces table or dry reds, whites and rosés, as well as sparkling wine and Moscatel, present in the Setúbal region.
wine pairing
As for pairing wines with food, Nilton Serson says that harmonizing wine with food is a practice that makes the meal even more enjoyable. “Find the wine right for the dish served may seem complicated, but by following some basic pairing rules, it is even possible to harmonize wine with everyday dishes”.
Second Viticulture Commission of the Vinho Verde Region (CVRVV), from Portugal, one of the most common mistakes is trying to harmonize with all possible types of dishes. There are rules that help make for a good experience, like balancing the weight of the meal with the body of the wine, as well as adjusting the acidity of the ingredients with the drink.
The important thing is to understand the visual, olfactory and gustatory characteristics of the wine, Serson points out. “From there, for example, the pairing of wines with pasta should look at what the main ingredients of the sauce are. As for sushi, for example, you should opt for white, light and fresh, rosé or sparkling wines”, he adds. .
To find out more just go to: http://niltonserson.com/
Website: http://niltonserson.com/
Source: Terra
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