The Algarve in the very south of Portugal is the
only demarcated District in Portugal that does not produce a variety
of white wines along with its red wine. The red wines tend to be
full-bodied, a fruity rich flavour, low acidity, and containing a
high alcohol level. Of late there has been a renewal of interest
and several smaller private vineyards have been created and are
marketing their own labels. There has recently been a resurgence of
interest in the smaller privately owned vineyards to commercialise
their production. One such producer is the Vida Nova label
from a vineyard owned by the famous singer, Sir Cliff Richards.
Others worth mentioning are Monte de Casteleja at Lagos, Quinta do
Morgado da Torre near Portimão, Quinta dos Vales at Estombar,
Adega do Cantor at Guia, Barranco Longo at Algos, and Quinta dos Correias at Luz de Tavira.
Lagoa (DOC)
This region covers the municipalities of both Albufeira and Lagoa.
The soft sandy soil and warm climate provides a rich distinct
flavour. The red wines are ruby-coloured which develop with age
and are easy to drink. The white wine is soft and full-bodied.
Both have high alcohol content.
Lagos (DOC)
This region covers the municipalities of Aljezur, Lagos and Sagres.
The red wine is smooth and fruity with low acidity level. The white
wine is lemon-straw in colour and tends to be full-bodied.
Portimão (DOC)
The red wine is light, smooth with low acidity and high alcohol
content. The white wine is straw-coloured with a soft and rich
aromatic flavour.
Silves (DOC)
The red wine is somewhat heavy with smooth with some acidity and
high alcohol content. The white wine has a soft and rich aromatic
flavour. Practically good white wine is produced by Barranco Longo.
Tavira (DOC)
This region covers the municipalities of Castro Marim, Faro, Olhão,
São Brás de Alportel, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António. The
red wine is soft, pale-coloured and with a fruity aroma. The white
wine is straw-coloured, smooth and full-bodied.
