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In the Transmontana region, to the north and south of
Guarda, are the IPR areas of Castelo Rodrigo, Covo de Beira
and Pinhel. They produce various types of wine that tend to be
light, sparkling and acidic. A well-known sparkling wine label from this
region is Raposeira that is popular as an inexpensive lower level
substitute for champagne. Regional labels are Abadia Velha, Aliança
Classico, Campolargo, Casa da Saima, Da Pipa, Encostas do Bussaco, Entre
Serras, Ensaios FP, Filipa & Luís Pata, Galeria, Gonçalo Velho, João
Pato, Luís Pato, Mateus, Quinta dos Cozinheiros, Quinta da Dona, Quinta
da Foz do Arouce, Sete Fontes, Terra Franca, Topázio, Vinha Formal, Vinha
do Lomedo and Vinha Pan.
Castelo Rodrigo (IPR)
This area is mainly economically reliant upon its cultivation of vineyards.
Grapes were grown in the Roman period but it was not until the 12th Century
when the production was expanded by the Cistercian monks that it became a
wine growing centre. The climate is harsh in winter with dry hot summers
and the area covers the municipalities of Almeida and Figueira de Castelo
Rodrigo. The red wine is elegant and ruby in colour, whilst the white is
dry and fruity. The labels to try are D’Aguiar and Quinta do
Cardo.
Cova da Beira (IPR)
Typically of the whole region this area has dry hot summers and cold
winters. The area covers the municipalities of Belmonte, Castelo Branco,
Covilhã, Fundão, Manteigas, Penamacor, Sabugal, Guarda, Vila Velha de Rodão
and Idanha-a-Nova. The red wine produced can be divided into two distinct
areas, with the Covilhã region producing lighter and less alcohol wines,
and the rest producing more full-bodied wines with ageing capabilities.
There is only one label that is Cova Juliana.
Pinhel (IPR)
Typical of the region the winters are cold and harsh whilst the summers are
dry and hot. The area covers the municipalities of Celorico da Beira, Guarda,
Meda, Pinhel and Trancoso. The red wine is light and soft with little tannin.
The white wine is fresh, with fruity aromas and flavours.
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