The Wines of Portugal

Book excerpt: * A comprehensive guide to one of Europe's most exciting and best value wine regions * What are the main varieties? Where is the wine grown? * Perfect for all wine students, professionals and the wine-curious * Color maps and photographs A revolution has been taking place in the vineyards and wineries of Portugal during the last twenty-five years, bringing hundreds of new wines, many from indigenous grapes, onto the international market. Previously thought of as a producer of mainly red wine, Portugal is now proving it can make world-class white wines too. In order to examine the terroirs that make this small but varied country so unique The wines of Portugal divides the country into four areas - Atlantic, mountains, plains and islands - providing detailed descriptions of the demarcated wine regions, the growers and the wines they produce. From crisp Vinhos Verdes in the Atlantic north-west through the Douro, Dão and Lisbon to the big, bold reds of the Alentejo and newcomers from the Algarve, this book is an up-to-date appraisal of Portugal's vineyards and wine producers.* Captures the changes in Portuguese wine that have taken place over the five years since the previous edition was published.* Thoroughly updated producer entries with more wines tasted.* Expansion of the section on Azores wines, reflecting the recent rapid revival of winemaking here, as well as its popularity as a tourist destination.* Richard Mayson is a series editor for The Classic Wine Library and the first edition of this book is among the series' best-sellers.* New color maps make navigating the wine landscape easier; also contains color photos.