All about Portuguese wine, their uniqueness and rich history

Are you a wine lover looking for something special? Then Delícia in Nijmegen is the place to be! We are your local wine importer and catering supplier. Specialized in Portuguese wines. Portugal has a rich wine culture and offers a wide range of unique wines that you may not know yet. In this blog post, we dive deeper into Portuguese wines, their origins and history, and why they are an excellent alternative to more conventional choices. We also give you tips on which dishes go well with these wines and share some fun facts.

Table of contents

1. Portuguese wines: an extensive history
2. The wine regions of Portugal
3. Why Portuguese Wines Can Be Superior to More Conventional Choices
4. Food pairing: the perfect combinations with Portuguese wines
5. Fun facts about Portuguese wines
6. Taste the best of Portugal at Delícia in Nijmegen

1. Portuguese wines: a long history

The history of Portuguese wines goes back a long way, to the time of the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans. They introduced viticulture to the area, and with success. Over the centuries, the Portuguese have developed their own unique wine culture and traditions, with local grape varieties forming the basis for their special wines. Some famous examples are the fortified Port wine and the sparkling Vinho Verde.

2. The wine regions of Portugal

Portugal has many wine regions, each with their own unique characteristics and grape varieties. Some important regions are:

• Douro : This beautiful region is famous for Port wine and is characterized by terraced vineyards along the Douro River. In addition to Port, excellent red and white wines are also produced here.
• Vinho Verde : This green, northwestern part of Portugal is known for its fresh, sparkling wines made mainly from local grape varieties. Ideal for hot summer days.
• Alentejo : This sunny southern region is famous for its full-bodied, fruity red wines made from indigenous grape varieties such as Aragonez and Trincadeira.

There are several reasons why Portuguese wines can be an excellent alternative to more conventional choices:

• Unique Grape Varieties : Portugal has over 250 indigenous grape varieties, giving their wines unique flavors and aromas not found in other wines.
• Excellent value for money : Many Portuguese wines offer high quality at an attractive price, making them an attractive option for wine lovers looking for something new.
• Diversity : The different wine regions and grape varieties provide a wide range of flavors and styles, from crisp white wines to full-bodied, complex red wines.

4. Food pairing: the perfect combinations with Portuguese wines

Portuguese wines are versatile and go well with a variety of dishes. Here are some examples of successful food pairings:

• Vinho Verde : This light, fresh wine goes well with seafood, salads and light starters.
• Alentejo red wines : The full, fruity flavour of these wines goes well with grilled meats, stews and rich cheeses.
• Port : Port wine is an excellent choice for dessert, especially when paired with chocolate, nuts or blue cheese.

5. Fun facts about Portuguese wines

• Did you know that Port wine was originally fortified with brandy to extend its shelf life during long sea voyages?
• Madeira, another famous fortified wine from Portugal, also became popular due to the maritime routes and the unique aging process that exposed the wine to heat and movement during the journey.
• Portugal has one of the oldest wine laws in the world: the Douro region was officially demarcated and regulated as early as 1756.

6. Taste the best of Portugal at Delícia in Nijmegen

As a wine importer and catering supplier in Nijmegen, we at Delícia are proud of our extensive range of Portuguese wines. We would like to share our passion for Portugal and its wine culture with you. Come along to one of our tastings or visit the webshop and discover the surprising world of Portuguese wines. We are happy to help you find the perfect wine for every occasion.

Conclusion

Portuguese wines are an excellent choice for anyone looking for unique flavors and great value for money. From fresh, sparkling Vinho Verde to rich, complex red wines from the Alentejo region, Portugal has a lot to offer. At Delícia in Nijmegen you can discover and taste these special wines. We are ready to help you find the perfect wine for every occasion. A sua saúde Cheers!