Borba Wine Region Guide

Borba is located in the district of Evora in Portugal and is one of 8 subregions of the Alentejo which is recognized for its wines, marble, and pottery. Its name is still used in conjunction with Alentejo, as Alentejo-Borba. Borba wine region received its DOC status in 2003, before that the region was just an IPR region. The region was the first in Alentejo to gain popularity among international wine enthusiasts for its high-quality wines. The level of quality of wines is superior and has become one of the beloved wine regions in Portugal. 

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Borba!

Where is the Borba wine region?

Borba is one of eight wine regions of Alentejo in Portugal. Located south of the Portalegre subregion and north of the Redondo subregion, the Borba region is nestled in the Serra de Borba mountains, in the heart of the renowned Alentejo region, in Alentejano. Borba is one of the oldest wine regions in Portugal that quickly got recognition during the 17th century for its top-quality wines. The wines from the region stand out because of the spectacular grapes they produce. The region is visited by wine lovers from across the world which has uplifted its economy as well as reputation. 

History of the Borba wine region

In the early 14th century, King Dinis granted the town charter and started developing the region with the construction of castles and monuments. The town became a strategic point as it neighbors Spain. The winemaking in the Borba wine region dates back to the 1st century which peaked in the 17th century. The wines from Borba stood out among other wines from Alentejo which quickly gained popularity across the world for its high-quality production. The vineyards of Borba were devastated due to Phyllexora infestation during the late 19th century which recovered in the 20th century. The wine growers started to use grafting techniques using resistant roots and grape varieties, thus winemaking legacy continued.  

The terroir and geography of the Borba wine region

Borba wine region is situated above 400 meters above sea level making comprising a plateau above the Alentejo plains making its microclimates. The rainfall in the region is significantly more than in the rest of the Alentejo region. The nights are cold with morning fogs. The region is blessed with ample sunlight during the day making summer hot and arid. The soil is largely red calcareous as the region lies atop a limestone massif. Due to the region’s climate, significant sunlight, and warmth gives the natural freshness and structure to wines with excellent aromas. These wines are characterized by balance. 

Popular grape varieties from the Borba wine region

Local winemakers specialize in grape types such as Aragonez, Periquita, Perrum, Tamarez, and Trincadeira. The emphasis on these grapes stems from the heat, sunlight, and vineyard conditions that allow the grapes to ripen. Furthermore, the grapes develop a high level of complexity and concentration. Red wines are characterized by gentle pink and have a clear aspect. Aromatic strength coupled with red plum overtones. Balanced flavor, great freshness, and a long finish with bittersweet fruit aromas.

Food to pair with Borba wine 

Porchetta

Porchetta is a typical dish popular in Italy. The savory dish is made using fatty and boneless pork that has been roasted over wood for an extended length of time. There are numerous variations of the meal, some of which include filling the pork with liver and veggies. Before roasting, the pig is seasoned with salt, garlic, rosemary, and other aromatic herbs. After roasting, the pig is thinly sliced and served warm or cold with toasted bread. Porchetta is a celebratory dish, but due to its taste and popularity, it is now also a popular street snack, either on its own or as a stuffing for sandwiches.

Pinchitos

Pinchitos is a classic Andalusian dish influenced by Moorish culture that consists of skewered marinated chicken, lamb, or hog pieces barbecued over charcoals. The meat is seasoned with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, saffron, and paprika. The dish is quite popular as a picnic dish and is readily found at most tapa bars across Spain. Pinchitos are typically served with lemon wedges and bread on the side, and it is best paired with a bottle of wine from the Borba wine region. 

Bœuf bourguignon

Beef bourguignon is a slowly-cooked beef stew traditionally made in French cuisine using wines of burgundy. The dish is typically made with beef, onion, carrots, celery, and flour. The beef is browned in butter or oil before being added to the other ingredients. Bœuf bourguignon is often served with boiled potatoes or pasta

The dish is not a regional recipe from burgundy rather use of wine explains the name. The dish was first recorded in 1867, often made with leftover meat. The dish was recognized as a Burgundian specialty at the beginning of the 20th century. 

The flavors of the dish are rich, complex, and hearty thanks to the long cooking time. The bold Aloxe-Corton wines perfectly pair with this dish. 

Places to visit in the Borba wine region

Castle of Vila Viçosa

Castle of Vila Viçosa is a 13th century castle located in the Nossa Senhora da Conceição e São Bartolomeu, in the municipality of Vila Viçosa, in the Portuguese Alentejo. The fascinating palace is surrounded by a trench and two identical turrets. The castle was once home to the Bragança family. The castle served as an artillery fortress, one of a kind in Portugal. The castle underwent further fortification during the 17th century. 

Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa

The Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa is a royal palace in the municipality of Villa Vicosa in the Alentejo region, located in the Nossa Senhora da Conceiço. The palace is around 150 kilometers east of Lisbon, Portugal's capital. The palace was built in the early 16th century and served as the residence of the House of Braganza, one of Portugal's most important noble houses and the royal house of the Kingdom of Portugal. The palace was upgraded several times between the 16th and 17th centuries. The structure has a big rectangular form that extends east to west and has lovely facades.

Frequently asked questions about Borba