Transmontano

Wine region: TRANSMONTANO

The (Neolithic) presence of Vitis silvestris with possible use by humans has not been studied, but vine cultivation and production in the Trás‑os‑Montes region during the Roman occupation has been proven. Because of its low population density, viticulture in this region was primarily orientated towards producers’ own consumption and at best, towards regional supply. With the improvement in trade routes, tourism and scientific studies, it has been increasingly acknowledged that the wines of the region of Trás‑os‑Montes are quite different from one another, depending on the terroir in which they are produced; some of excellent, and some of extraordinary, quality. Research and professional training is provided by the Universidade de Trás‑os‑Montes e Alto Douro.

Nevertheless, its own designated region was created in 1989 by the Comissão Vitivinícola Regional de Trás‑os‑Montes (“Regional Vitivinicultural Commission of Trás‑os‑Montes”), abbreviated to CVRTM, who are responsible for the “Trás‑os‑Montes” Designation of Origin (DO) and for the “Transmontano” Geographical Indication (IG). This body has been the officially recognised certification authority since 2010.

The name Trás‑os‑Montes refers to the geographical location of this vast region: It is situated beyond the Marâo and Alvão mountain ranges, north of the Douro River, east of the Minho River, and extends to the Spanish border which confines it in the north. The soils vary greatly from one subregion to another. They begin in the west (Chaves) as predominantly alkaline granitic soils, mixed with metamorphic schist, and granite‑schist complexes in some areas with high levels of natural radioactivity. From a morphological point of view granite is a perplexing rock, at once hard and friable in texture, and both coarse and fine‑grained. Alongside Precambrian and archaic schist there is a small area with calcareous gneisses and alluvium spots. The soils of the Chaves plain are very fertile, and classified as Grade 1. Here, vineyards are planted on the slopes of small valleys where the tributaries of the Tâmega river flow. Traditional vineyards cover mainly cliff terrain and have been planted in contoured terraces. Labour is done by the farmer with the aid of animal traction, usually donkeys.

The climate of Trás‑os‑Montes is dry and very hot in summer. In winter, by contrast, temperatures are often below freezing, which places limits on ideal growing conditions and reduces the quantity of water available. Only the Valpaços subregion is rich in water resources, situated as it is on a plateau. In the Planalto Mirandês subregion, it is the River Douro which influences viticulture. The red wines of this region are generally fruity and mildly astringent. The white wines are suave, with a floral aroma.

The whole Trás‑os‑Montes area north of the Douro (Duriense) geographical indication has been designated IGP and is generally designated as Transmontano regional wine, while the three subregions of “Chaves”, ”Valpaços” and “Planalto Mirandês” are classified DO because they are well suited to the production of high quality wine.

 

Types of vitivinicultural products

Transmontano IG wine or Transmontani regional wine: Red, white and rosé.

Trás‑os‑Montes DO: Red, white, rosé, sparkling.

DO sparkling wines (VEQPRD)

DO liqueur wines (VLQPRD)

Aguardente de Vinho (brandy from wine spirit)

Aguardente Bagaceira (grape marc spirit)

 

Regional Contacts

Technical information: COMISSÃO VITIVINÍCOLA REGIONAL DE TRÁS‑OS‑MONTES (“REGIONAL VITIVINICULTURAL COMMISSION OF TRÁS‑OS‑MONTES”) Bairro do Bonito – Edifício IVV, 5430‑429 VALPAÇOS, Tel.: 278 729 678, Website: www.cvrtm.pt,  e‑mail: cvrtm@sapo.pt

Eno‑tourism information: Porto Wine Route, Largo da estação 5050‑237 Peso da Régua, Tel. 254 324 774, reservas@rvp.pt. Turismo Trás‑os‑Montes, Rua 25 de Abril‑ Edf. Alexandre D’arcos, 5210 Miranda do Douro‑ Bragança; geral@webdouro.com; Tel +351 302 099 933

Cultural information on the wine of the region: Confraria Enófila e Gastronómica de Trás‑os‑Montes e Alto Douro (The Trás‑os‑Montes e Alto Douro Society of Oenophilists and Gastronomists), Rua conselheiro Abílio Beça 150, 5370‑324 Mirandela

Institutions of higher learning: Universidade de Trás‑os‑Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD (“University of Trás‑os‑Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD”), Quinta dos Prados 5000‑262 Vila Real, Tel. 259350000, www.utad.pt; Escola superior agraria de Bragança (“Agricultural College of the Bragança Polytechnic Institute”), Campus de Santa Apolónia – Apartado 1172, 5301‑855 Bragança; Tel.: (+351) 273 303 200 http://esa.ipb.pt.

Certification authority COMISSÃO VITIVINÍCOLA REGIONAL DE TRÁS‑OS‑MONTES (“REGIONAL VITIVINICULTURAL COMMISSION OF TRÁS‑OS‑MONTES”), Bairro do Bonito – Edifício IVV,                  5430‑429 VALPAÇOS, Tel.: 278 729 678, Fax: 278 729 678 Website: www.cvrtm.pt,  e‑mail: cvrtm@sapo.pt

Producer and bottler information on wine from the Trás‑os‑Montes region: http://www.ivv.min‑agricultura.pt/np4/1736.html, → Yearbook, page 118.

 

Designation: IGP “Transmontano” (Regional wine)

Legislation: Decree‑Law No. 212/2004, Ministerial Directive No. 1203/2006.

Varieties:

RED WINES: Alicante Bouschet, Alvarelhão, Aragonez (Tinta Roriz), Aramon, Bastardo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Camarate, Carignan, Cornifesto, Donzelinho Tinto, Donzelinho Roxo, Gamay, Grand Noir, Jaen, Malvasia Preta, Marufo, Merlot, Moscatel Galego Tinto, Moscatel Galego Roxo (Moscatel Roxo), Mourisco de Semente, Mourisco de Trevões, Castelão, Pinot Noir, Rufete, Barca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Carvalha, Tinta Francisca, Gorda, Tinto Cão, Touriga Fêmea, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Trincadeira (Tinta Amarela) and Vinhão.

 

WHITE WINES:Dorinto, Ratinho, Arinto (Pedernã), Chardonnay, Branda, Donzelinho Branco, Sercial (Esgana Cão), Fernão Pires (Maria Gomes), Folgasão, Gewurztraminer, Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, Malvasia Parda, Malvasia Rei, Moscadet, Moscatel Galego Branco, Mourisco Branco, Pinheira Branca, Pinot Blanc, Rabigato, Riesling, Sauvignon, Semillon, Síria (Roupeiro), Tamarez, Verdelho, Viosinho and Vital.

 

Designation: DOP “Trás‑os‑Montes”

Legislation: Decree‑Law No. 212/2004, Ministerial Directive No. 1204/2006.

Varieties:

RED WINES:Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez (Tinta Roriz), Baga, Bastardo, Castelão (Periquita)Cornifesto, Gorda, Malvasia Preta, Marufo, Rufete, Sousão, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Carvalha, Tinto Cão, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira (Tinta Amarela) and Moscatel Galego Roxo (Moscatel Roxo).

WHITE WINES: Bical, Boal Branco,Carrega Branco, Côdega de Larinho, Donzelinho Branco, Fernão Pires (Maria Gomes), Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, Moscatel Galego Branco, Rabigato, Samarinho, Síria (Roupeiro) e Viosinho.

 

VQPRD wines

Designation: DOP (SUBREGION) “Chaves”

RED WINES: Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez (Tinta Roriz), Baga, Bastardo, Castelão (Periquita) Cornifesto, Malvasia Preta, Marufo, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Carvalha, Tinto Cão, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira (Tinta Amarela) and Moscatel Galego Roxo (Moscatel Roxo).

WHITE WINES: Alvarinho, Arinto (Pedernã), Bical, Boal Branco, Côdega de Larinho, Fernão Pires (Maria Gomes), Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, Moscatel Galego Branco, Rabigato, Síria (Roupeiro) and Viosinho.

Designation: DOP (SUBREGION) “Planalto de Mirandês“

RED WINES: Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez (Tinta Roriz), Bastardo, Castelão (Periquita) Cornifesto, Gorda, Marufo, Rufete, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional and Trincadeira (Tinta Amarela).

WHITE WINES: Bical, Boal Branco, Carrega Branco, Côdega de Larinho, Donzelinho Branco, Fernão Pires (Maria Gomes), Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, Moscatel Galego Branco, Rabigato, Samarinho, Síria (Roupeiro) and Viosinho.

Designation: DOP (SUBREGION) “Valpaços”

RED WINES: Aragonez (Tinta Roriz), Bastardo, Cornifesto, Marufo, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Carvalha, Tinto Cão, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional and Trincadeira (Tinta Amarela.

WHITE WINES:  Arinto (Pedernã), Bical, Boal Branco, Côdega de Larinho, Donzelinho Branco, Fernão Pires (Maria Gomes), Gouveio,  Malvasia Fina, Moscatel Galego Branco, Rabigato, Síria (Roupeiro) and Viosinho.

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