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Explore the Best Wineries in Alenquer

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Alenquer is arguably the most renowned wine region and is one of nine wine regions in the Lisboa region. The region produces complex white and red wines that are underrated in the wine community. The Alenquer wine region is surrounded by other wine districts on all sides and is shielded from the severe Atlantic winds on the west. This feature makes the land ideal for viticulture, resulting in more concentrated grapes. Since 2002, the region has featured French grape varietals in addition to indigenous grape species. The variety of terrain and microclimate in the Lisboa valley allows the region to create a wide range of exceptional wines.

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Where is the Alenquer wine region?

Alenquer wine region lies in the central western part of Portugal in the Lisboa valley, almost 50km east of the Atlantic coast. The region is surrounded by Torres Vedras DOC from the west, Bucelas DOC from the south, Cartaxo IPR from the east, and Obidos DOC from the North. The Santarem IPR is in the northeast and Lourinha DOC lies northwest of the Alenquer region. The region is just 46km north of the city of Lisbon. Alenquer is the most inland wine-growing area of the Lisboa wine region. The vineyards are located around the town of Alenquer in the valley of Lisboa. 

History of the Alenquer wine region

Alenquer is one of the famous wine regions in the Lisboa wine region with its history in winemaking dating back to ancient roman times. The town of Alenquer is known as the Vila Presepio for its harmonious layout of houses on slopes creating an amphitheater. Pêro de Alenquer, a 16th-century Portuguese navigator who rounded the Cape of Storms (Cape of Good Hope), and Damio de Góis, a famous humanist and major figure in Portuguese Renaissance history, were both born in Alenquer. Alenquer obtained its Foral in 1212 from Princess Sancha, Lady of Alenquer and daughter of King Sancho I of Portugal.

The terroir and geography of the Alenquer wine region

This prestigious wine region lies 50km east of the coastal region of Portugal making the area the most inland wine region among Lisboa wine regions. The Serra de Montejunto mountains to the west and the distance from the Atlantic ocean make the region protected from harsh winds and create a unique microclimate in the region. The wine-growing area is centered around the town of Alenquer in the Lisboa valley. Most of the renowned wine estate in the Lisboa wine region lies in the Alenquer benefiting from the drier and more consistent climate of the region. 

Popular grape varieties from the Alenquer wine region

Until 2002, when winemakers decided to incorporate French varieties in the portfolio, the Alenquer wine area only valued indigenous grape varieties from Portugal. Arinto, Camarate, Ferno Pires, Graciano, Yambina, Mortagua, Periquita, Preto Martinho, and Vital are the main grapes grown in the Alenquer region. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are among the French varietals produced in the region.

Food to pair with Alenquer wine 

Portuguese-Style Grilled Chicken

Portuguese-Style Grilled Chicken is a classic dish that is juicy and has a strong charcoal flavor that is difficult to resist. The dish is budget friendly and the greatest part is that it is really easy to prepare. This savory dish is traditionally made with chicken thighs and drumsticks. To increase the flavor of the dish, marinate the chicken for an hour before grilling. The chicken becomes exceedingly tender and peppery after grilling. This delicious grilled chicken is also available at every restaurant in Portugal. This simple dish pairs beautifully with red wines from the Alenquer wine area.

Steckerlfisch

Steckerlfisch is a fish grilled on a small pole or a stick that originated in the Bavarian and Franconian regions. The whole fish is first gutted and cleaned and marinated before threading over a stick. The fish is then cooked over hot flames. Traditionally, only white fish and trout were used to produce the meal, but saltwater is now utilized as well. In Germany, the dish is popular and is served in beer gardens and at festivals. Steckerlfisch pairs up well with Alenquer wines. 

Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken is a well-known dish around the world. As the name implies, the major ingredients are lemon and chicken. Lemon chicken, also known as Ling moong gai in Chinese, is a traditional chicken dish. Typical components include chicken, soy sauce, lemon juice and zest, sesame oil, ginger, cornflour, scallions, and sugar. Cook the chicken on both sides in a wok before mixing it with the ginger and lemon juice. Reduce the heat to low once the liquid begins to boil and continue to cook until the chicken is cooked. This Asian meal complements the white Alenquer wines.

Places to visit in the Alenquer wine region

Serra de Montejunto

The protected landscape of Serra de Montejunto was created in 1999 to preserve the terrain that covers the area in the Alenquer and Cadaval municipalities, in the Lisbon district. The protected zone is located in the Estremenho Limestone massif. This nature lover area spans 15km in length and 7km in Breadth. The area encompasses caves, ponds, prehistoric fossils, and wide species of flora. Serra de Montejunto is just an hour far from the City of Lisbon. The landscape is rich with green rolling hills and juniper valley. A lot of tourists are attracted to the protected area of Serra de Montejunto and nowadays, several manor houses, rural inns, and B&B operate across the region. This fascinating area is a must-go place in the Alenquer region if you are a nature enthusiast.   

Castle of Alenquer

Alenquer's medieval castle is located in the middle of the town, near the porta da Conceicao and Torre da Couraca. Before the castle of Alenquer, the location housed a Muslim fortification. D. took control of the stronghold. Alfonso in the eighth century was constructed as a defensive line. The castle was a significant defensive building in the north of Lisbon until the 13th century. In 1211, King Sancho I, then King of Portugal, built a royal house that was eventually given to his daughter, Sacha. The castle was eventually taken by Castillan forces in 1384. The castle fell into disrepair in the late 16th century and was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755. If you are in the Alenquer or Lisbon area, you must go to this old castle.

Frequently asked questions about Alenquer

Where is the Alenquer wine region located?

The Alenquer wine area is located in central western Portugal, in the Lisboa valley, some 50 kilometers east of the Atlantic coast. The location is only 46 kilometers north of Lisbon. Torres Vedras DOC borders the region on the west, Bucelas DOC on the south, Cartaxo IPR on the east, and Obidos DOC on the north. The Santarem IPR is located to the northeast, and the Lourinha DOC is located to the northwest of the Alenquer region. Alenquer is the Lisboa wine region's most inland wine-growing location.

What are the most famous wineries in this region?

Quinta Da Vassala

What are some of the best Alenquer wines that people should try?

Quinta do Pinto Viognier - Arinto, Alenquer, Portugal
Casa Santos Lima Quinta das Setencostas, Alenquer, Portugal
Quinta do Carneiro Reserva, Alenquer, Portugal
Quinta dos Platanos 'Ponto Cego' Tinto, Alenquer, Portugal
Adega Cooperativa Labrugeira 'Empatia' Vital, Alenquer, Portugal

What are the different kinds of grapes that grow in the Alenquer appellation?

Until 2002, when winemakers opted to include French varieties in their portfolio, the Alenquer wine region only prioritized indigenous Portuguese grape varieties. The primary grapes farmed in the Alenquer region are Arinto, Camarate, Ferno Pires, Graciano, Yambina, Mortagua, Periquita, Preto Martinho, and Vital. Among the French varieties grown in the region are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

What kind of wine is an Alenquer?

White wines from the Alenquer wine region are of the best quality that is crisp and dry. The red wines dominate the winegrowing region that is complex, and rich with spicy and peppery notes.

Map of Wineries in Alenquer

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Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Alenquer