Lisboa wine region: reds and whites from around Lisbon

The Lisboa wine region lies along the Atlantic coast north of the Portuguese capital. It makes fresh, light wines near the sea and riper wines inland, from nine denominations of origin. Typical grapes are Arinto, Fernão Pires, Aragonez, Castelão and Touriga Nacional.

Where is the Lisboa wine region?

Wines of Portugal describes the Lisboa region as rolling hills that stretch along the Atlantic coast north of Lisbon, among the most productive and varied areas in the country.

Two climates meet here. Vines near the coast feel a strong, decisive Atlantic influence. Vines further inland are protected from the sea by mountain systems and have a transitional Mediterranean climate.

The coastal wines are low in alcohol and light in style, which Wines of Portugal compares to the wines of the Minho in the north. Soils divide between clay-limestone and sandy-clay areas.

What are the nine denominations?

The region is made up of nine denominations of origin in three geographical groups.

• Near Lisbon, to the south: Bucelas, Colares and Carcavelos.
• In the centre: Alenquer, Arruda, Lourinhã, Óbidos and Torres Vedras.
• In the north: Encostas d'Aire.

Three stand out, according to Wines of Portugal. Bucelas is known for white wines in which the Arinto grape dominates, giving freshness and longevity. Colares is one of Portugal's most original appellations, with Ramisco vines planted by the sea in very loose sandy soils. Carcavelos is now almost without vineyards or producers, because of pressure from Lisbon's growth.

Which grapes grow in Lisboa?

The main whites are Arinto, Fernão Pires, Malvasia, Seara-Nova and Vital.

The reds include Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Castelão, Tinta Miúda, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional and Trincadeira. International grapes such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are grown too.

If a label shows Arinto, expect a crisp, citrus-led white. If it shows Castelão or Aragonez, expect a fruity, easy red. These are broad tendencies, not guarantees.

What does Lisboa wine taste like?

Our tasting notes come from the product pages.

Mar de Lisboa Red has a deep violet colour and a rich perfume of ripe black fruit. It is very fine on the palate, with soft tannins, good acidity and a long aftertaste, and the page says it is a wine to enjoy with or without food.

Mar de Lisboa White is intense citric in colour, with a fresh, aromatic nose of citrus and tropical fruit. On the palate it is fresh with fine intensity.

For a wider look, the Lisboa Region 6 bottles case holds six reds: Coragem Reserve, Porta 6, Maria Mar, Ruelas, Alfacinha and Reserva dos Amigos. The Amazing Lisboa 12 bottles case adds whites, with Porta 6 Tinto, Branco and Reserva, Alfacinha, Ruelas, Cabo da Roca, Maria Mar and Painted Cat wines in the box.

You can also browse our red wine collection and white wine collection.

How is Lisboa different from its neighbours?

Compared with the Douro to the north, Lisboa is much closer to the sea, so the wines tend to be lighter and fresher. Compared with the Alentejo to the south and east, the Atlantic keeps the climate milder.

The region also has a long history with Britain. Wines of Portugal records that Bucelas was known in England in the second half of the sixteenth century as "Lisbon Hock", and that Wellington was fond of it and sent it to England. Carcavelos was exported to England in large quantities for several years.

How do I choose between the reds and whites?

Use the food as a guide.

• For grilled fish, salads and light starters, choose a white such as Mar de Lisboa White.
• For meat dishes and weeknight dinners, choose a red such as Mar de Lisboa Red.
• For a table of mixed tastes, a mixed case lets you try both.

Why do the coastal wines taste lighter?

Wines of Portugal explains that the vines near the coast feel a strong Atlantic influence. The wines from those areas have very low alcohol and a lightness comparable to the wines of the Minho. In practice that means fresher, more delicate bottles than you would get from the hot interior.

Colares shows how far the coast can shape a wine. Its Ramisco vines are planted by the sea on very loose sandy soils, which makes it one of the most original appellations in Portugal. Bucelas, a few kilometres from the capital, has won its place through the style of its Arinto whites.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lisboa a DOC or a regional wine?

The Lisboa region holds nine denominations of origin, such as Bucelas, Colares and Alenquer. Wines from the wider area can also carry the regional Lisboa name. Check the label for the exact designation.

What grapes are used in Lisboa wines?

Whites use Arinto, Fernão Pires, Malvasia, Seara-Nova and Vital. Reds use Aragonez, Castelão, Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet and others, as well as some international grapes.

Is Lisboa wine light or full-bodied?

It depends on the location. Wines from the coast are light and low in alcohol. Wines from inland vineyards tend to be riper. The product page of each bottle gives its style.

What is Bucelas?

Bucelas is a denomination close to Lisbon known for white wines made mainly from the Arinto grape. Wines of Portugal says Arinto gives these whites freshness and longevity.

Sources

• Wines of Portugal: Lisboa
• Wines of Portugal: Wine Regions
• Product pages at garrafeiradailha.com for tasting notes, grapes and regions of the wines named above.

Please enjoy wine responsibly and in moderation. Our wines are sold only to people aged 18 or over. For facts about alcohol, visit drinkaware.ie.