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The Ribatejo District is to the east and
inland from the Estremadura district covering to the north of the
municipality of Tomar and then down to the district of the Alentejo.
Some good red wines can be found from this region due to its alluvial
soil and temperate climate. The wines are tannic when young but after 5
years they become full-bodied and fruity with a slight spicy flavour.
Some region labels are Alicante Bouschet, B.S.E., Camarate, Capucho,
Carvalho Ribeira & Ferreira, Casa Cadaval, Casal da Coelheira, Casal
do Monteiro, Castelão, Catapereiro, Companhia das Lezírias, Conde de
Vimioso, Convento da Serra, Corcel, DJF Vinhos, Dom Dinis, Dom Luís de
Margaride, Fruto de Outono, Horta da Nazaré, João Pires, Lagoalva de Cima,
Lancers, Luís Margarides, Marquês de Terena, Monte da Casta, Nova Safra,
Paço do Aviz, Padre Pedro, Pasmado, Periquita, QA Chardonnay, Quinta de
Camarate, Quinta da Alorna, Quinta do Alqueva, Quinta Grande, Quinta da
Lagoalva, Quinta de Santo Andre, Quinta das Torqueiras, Ribatejo
Garrafeira, Romeira Garrafeira, Serradayres, Sopé da Encosta, Tâmara,
Tapada do Henriques, Tercius, Terra de Touros, Torre Bela and
Torre da Trondade.
Almeirim (IPR)
This area covers the municipalities of Almeirim, Alpiarça and some of
Salvaterra de Magos. Like its neighbour Santarém this has lower and
upper vineyards. The lower being the flood fertile plain of the River
Tejo, the upper being well-drained sandy soil. The red wine tends to be
smooth with good tannin content. The white wine is well-balanced with
fruity aromas but best consumed early. The labels to try are Almeirim,
Caves Velhas, Dom Hermano, Falcoaria, Fernão Pires and Lezíria.
Cartaxo (IPR)
The area covers the municipalities of Azambuja and Cartaxo. The vineyards
are planted in two different types of soil. The first is the flood plains
of the River Tejo and the second a 200 meter high calcareous clay soil.
The red wine from the lower vineyards is ruby-coloured, firm and fruity,
whilst the higher vineyards produce a deeper colour, rich and smooth wine.
The white from the lower part is pale and fruity, whilst the higher part
produces a wine that is dry and smooth. The labels to try are Bridão,
Cartaxo, Falcão de Cima, Quinta do Bairro Falcão, Quinta Vale do Fornos
and Rabeca.
Chamusca (IPR)
This area covers the municipalities of both Chamusca and Golegã also
providing two different soils. The alluvial earth of the flood plain and
the stony soil of higher land. The red wine is garnet-coloured and
well-balanced, soft and smooth. The white wine is fruity, soft and is also
found to be well-balanced.
Coruche (IPR)
This area is the fertile flood plains of the River Tejo covering the
municipality of Coruche, and part of Salvaterra de Magos and Benavente.
The red wine is garnet-coloured, light and soft. The white wine is pale,
light with fruity aromas.
Santarém (IPR)
Wines from this whole region have been well known since the 12th
Century. The two towns in this area are Rio Maior and Santarém. The red
wine is deep in colour, full-bodied and well balanced. The white wine is
straw-coloured and palatable. The label is Cabeça de Toiro.
Tomar (IPR)
The town of this area is steeped in history and in the 14th
Century was the home of the Order of Knights Templar. The neighbouring town
of Ferreira do Zêzere shares the same links with history and also is part
of this wine area. The red wine is light in colour and body, with some
acidity. The white wine has a slight green tinge and a fruity crisp flavour.
The labels from this area are Casal das Freiras, Charola, Porão Velho,
Quinta do Cavalinho, Quinta de São João Batista, Quinta de Tomar and
Solar dos Loendros.
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