Douro
Schist slopes and blends of local varieties create concentrated yet vibrant wines.
Terroirs, appellations and label clues
Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo and Douro Superior are the three subregions. The region makes fortified Port and still DOC Douro wines. Tawny Port and dry Douro red differ in production, sweetness and food use.
To get started
Compare still wines and Port: they share a landscape and grapes, yet play different roles at the table.
Key grapes
Touriga Nacional — Violet, dark fruit and Portuguese character. In the Douro, look for its role in both still-wine and Port blends rather than assuming a single style.
Compare regions
Compare regions in the same country too: the same grape can produce different wines as climate, site and producer choices change.
Style descriptions are guides, not rules: vintage, vineyard, blending and maturation change the result.
