Alva Wine Region

Alva is a wine sub-region in the central part of Portugal. It is located just south of the famous Douro wine region. The climate here is mild with warm summers and relatively cold winters. The residents of Alva can trace their ancestry to the Romans and Visigoths, who during the medieval period established vineyards in this area. In addition to wine production, local farmers produce corn, soybeans, wheat, and pineapples.

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Where is Alva Wine Region?

The Alva DOC is named after the river Alva, which is a tributary of the Mondego that rises on the southwest side of the Serra da Estrela and runs approximately 110 kilometers before discharging into the Mondego in the village of Porto de Raiva, parish of Oliveira do Mondego, Municipality of Penacova in the district of Coimbra.

The History of the Alva Wine Region

The region has a rich ancient legacy that dates back to prehistoric times and continues to the present day, with Roman and Medieval remains. There are Neolithic and Bronze Age burial places and real religious and rural antiquities like the massive granite outcroppings used as threshing floors, the Holy Cross Church, and the Ferreiros Chapel, a 13th-century Roman Gothic-style chapel. Alva is a very appealing wine region due to its natural beauty, richness, and diversity of local gastronomy, as well as its aromatic and balanced wines.

Terroir of Alva

There are many factors that make Alva wines so unique. The region has a long history of wine-making and is home to some of the oldest grape varieties. The climate is also perfect for producing quality wines. The region’s high altitude provides the perfect conditions for growing grapes. With this elevation, the vines may maximize their photosynthesis during the day by moving out of the valley's shadows and toward the vital sunshine. Additionally, it enhances the diurnal temperature difference, which aids in the grapes' ability to cool off at night in order to preserve the acidity that makes wine so desired. The soil conditions in the region have a big impact on the quality of the grapes. A combination of iron-rich red clay, calcium-rich limestone, and a balanced mix of peat and sand leads to an optimal soil for grape production. 

Wine Characteristics of Alva Wine

The wines of Alva are renowned for their rich flavor and complexity. The soil in Alva is mostly clay with some limestone, which provides excellent drainage for grapes to grow during the dry summer months. The grapes grown in this region are mostly red varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, and Alicante Bouschet. However, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz are the most widely planted and used for producing wines in this region.

• Touriga Nacional is a Portuguese red wine grape variety grown primarily in the Douro Valley and nearby regions of Portugal. Touriga Nacional is especially noted for the quality and longevity of its wines, which are usually very tannic and full-bodied when young but can age for decades.
• Tinta Roriz (Portuguese name for Tempranillo) is one of the main grape varieties in the Port wine blend. This grape variety is mainly grown in Spain and Portugal. The wine made from this grape variety is characterized by its deep red color and high tannin content. 

Food to Pair with Alva wine

Feijoada à Portuguesa

Feijoada à Portuguesa is one of the most traditional dishes in Brazil but it was primarily made in Portugal. It is made with black beans and various types of meat and sausage. This dish serves rice, farofa (toasted cassava flour), couve (collard greens), and sliced oranges.

Paella 

The word paella derives from the Old French word paelle meaning pan. This dish is popular in many countries and can be found in many different varieties throughout the world. The most common type of paella contains rice, green beans, peas, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and olive oil. Some versions may also include rabbits or snails. Paellas are typically cooked over an open fire or stovetop on a large metal pan called a paellera (or sometimes spelled as pella).

Beef Wellington

The dish consists of a layer of tenderloin beef that is seasoned with salt and pepper, wrapped in puff pastry, and then cooked until it's browned and crispy on the outside. The pastry is cut into slices before serving and the beef inside is revealed to be tender, juicy, and delicious.

Places to Visit in Alva Wine Region

Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra

The Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra is a botanical garden in Portugal. It was founded in 1772 and is located on the grounds of the University. The garden, which is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, covers 13 hectares and can be divided into two halves. The first half, located at the top of the valley, is the most formal area and is divided by terraces. The second half of the garden, including a valley where a small stream once flowed, is the Arboretum, commonly known as the Botanic Garden Mata.

Portugal dos Pequenitos

The Portugal dos Pequenitos contains more than 220 different buildings, monuments, and scenes that are all miniatures of famous places from around the world. There are many different sections of the park that represent specific countries or regions from around the world so visitors can easily find something they want to see without having to walk too much. The miniature park was constructed in the 20th century and receives a lot of visitors every year.

Serra da Estrela Natural Park

The Serra da Estrela Natural Park is the largest protected area in Portugal. It is situated in the middle of a rocky massif and is surrounded by rivers and streams like the Mondego, Alva, and Zêzere that originate here. Given that this peak is the highest on Portuguese territory, it also has one of the highest precipitation rates, with a lot of snowfall in the winter allowing for the practice of winter sports.

Frequently Asked Questions about Alva Wine Region