A vast, rural area of flat plains speckled with cork oaks and olive trees, the flatness broken by the occasional ‘Monte’ or low hill on which a large estate or small village will be perched. It is hot-really hot in the summer, requiring irrigation for the many and large vineyards. The Alentejo was the standard bearer for Portugal’s wine revolution, adopting modern winegrowing methods with great results and international critical acclaim.
Best known for red wines which are generally full bodied, fruity and suitable for aging. They are plentiful and have an easy drinking nature about them. Aragonez is the most planted followed by Trincadeira and Castelao. White wines are not traditional to the region but with the help of temperature-controlled fermentation tanks some very good whites are appearing, those from Vidigueria being a striking example. Roupeiro and Antao Vaz dominate and bring acidity and tropical fruit to the wines.

Producers from this region:
Fita Preta | Herdade da Mingorra | S.V.O.L.