Explore the Best Wineries in Cova da Beira

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Portugal's Cova da Beira Wine Region is a popular tourist attraction. Numerous wines from the renowned sub-region of Cova da Beira are famous globally for their excellence and distinction. Despite producing a wide variety of wines that are comparable to those in the Beiras wine region, Cova da Beira is most famous for its light-bodied red wines. Spreading from the eastern Serra da Estrela foothills to the Tagus valley, south of Castelo Branco, the Cova da Beira boasts a range of distinctive features. One of Europe's best physical borders against prevailing winds and salty sea breezes is Portugal's Atlantic coastline. Known as "the land of windmills", this region produces some of the world's most sought-after wines due to its unique terroir.

Check out the best tastings and tours around Cova da Beira.

Where is the Cova da Beira wine appellation?

Cova da Beira is a subregion of the larger Beiras VR wine region in Portugal, situated between the Do and Vinho Verde DOCs. The largest and most southern of the three sub-regions, Castelo Branco's northern and southern boundaries are defined by the mountains of Estrela and Malcata, respectively, and it stretches south to the Tagus River and Vila Velha de Rodo. In addition, one of Portugal's oldest vineyards is located in this area.

History of the Cova da Beira wine appellation

In Alentejo, Portugal, the Cova da Beira wine appellation has been making wine for a very long time. Cova da Beira was formerly an independent Indicaço de Provincia Regulada (IPR) region (and was the largest IPR in Portugal in terms of land planted with vines). Still, in 2005, it was merged into the Beira Interior DOC, which has a more prestigious Denominaço de Origem Controlada (DOC) status, along with two other subregions. Its name may still be expressed as Beira Interior-Cova da Beira, together with that of Beira Interior.

Ideal Terroir of the Cova da Beira wine appellation

The region of southern Portugal includes the wine appellation Cova da Beira. The hill, with variations between 400 and 700 meters, has an impact on the wines. The region's rocky and hilly terrain produced soils that were primarily of granite origin, with schist soils accounting for the majority of the remainder. The climate is less extreme and continental, with some Mediterranean influences, and the height is milder. A little more rain falls overall than in the Pinhel and Castelo Rodrigo subregions. The harvest frequently occurs a few weeks early due to the interaction of all of these elements, which results in notable variances in maturation compared to the two sub-regions further north.

Grape Varietals of the Cova da Beira wine appellation

The Cova da Beira wine region benefits greatly from its distinctive geography because the land is exceptionally fertile and can grow grapes with distinctive characteristics as well as produce quality wines. Arinto, Assario Branco, Jaen, Marufo, Periquita, Perola, Rabo de Ovelha, Rufete, and Tinta Amarela are some of the main grapes grown in the Cova da Beira region. The land and temperature are perfect for cultivating grapes that yield premium wines with distinctive characteristics. The excellence of the region's grapes, along with the expertise and management supplied by families who have owned the vineyards for centuries, is credited with its success. ​

Wines from the Cova da Beira wine appellation

The town's winemakers and their meticulous attention to detail in their processes are partially responsible for Cova da Beira's delicacy and finesse. These components give rise to a type of wine that is unique to Portugal, if not the entire world. It is renowned for making wines with a distinctive, black and fruity flavor matured in barrels. The quality of wines produced in this region, which is regarded as a key region in viticulture, is frequently commended worldwide for its complexity and the great concentration of varietal aromas present in its wines.

Cova da Beira wine appellation and Food Pairing 

Fish and seafood

Portuguese cuisine emphasizes fish and seafood heavily. Salt cod, also known as bacalhau, is by far and away the most popular fish in Portugal and is eaten practically everywhere. In fact, there are at least 365 different cod recipes because cod fish is so widely consumed. With the caveat that they aren't oaked, full-bodied whites and light-to-medium reds pair well with these fish and seafood dishes.

Soups and Stews

The Portuguese consume a large amount of soup and stew. Caldo Verde, a soup comprised of finely shredded cabbage or collard greens, potatoes, onion, and chouriço, is the most well-liked soup in the entire nation (sausage) Although caldo verde originated in Minho, in northern Portugal, many people now view it as the country's national soup. The best white wines to pair with caldo verde are Minho's Loureiro or Alavarinho. Avoid the spritz varieties of Vinho Verde if you choose them.

Desserts and Cheeses

Doces de ovo, a Portuguese dessert made from egg yolk, is well-known around the world. This dessert has many different names around the nation, including Dom Rodrigo, Fatias, and Fios de Ovos. Delicious dessert wines from native Portuguese grapes like Loureiro, Arinto, and Muscat are produced in Portugal. These wines are both semi-dry and sweet, but none of them has a lot of residual sugar, so they go well with the majority of egg-and cream-based desserts.

Interesting Places to Visit in the Cova da Beira wine appellation

Castelo de Celorico da Beira

You can walk around the castle walls in peace after a short climb along the cobblestone road that leads to the entrance of the castle. The air is clean, and the sights are stunningly lovely. Spain's Aveiro and Salamanca are worth stopping at.

Serra da Estrela Natural Park

The closest natural park to Covilha, where Torre, Portugal's tallest peak, is located is Serra da Estrela (within a continent). This is Portugal's largest natural protection area, covering an area of over 1,000 km2, and it is home to a variety of native plants and animals.

Santa Maria Church

The Santa Maria Church is the most significant and alluring of the many historical sites in Covilha, which is a subregion of Cova da Beira. The designs on the interior and exterior are striking. It is a must-visit.

What is Cova da Beira renowned for?

Cova da Beira is a town in southern Portugal that is well-known for its world-famous wines and historical attractions.

What grape is harvested in the Cova da Beira Wine Appellation?

Arinto, Assario Branco, Jaen, Marufo, Periquita, Perola, Rabo de Ovelha, Rufete, and Tinta Amarela are some of the main grapes grown in the Cova da Beira region.

What type of wines is Cova da Beira famous for?

Despite producing a wide variety of wines that are comparable to those in the Beiras wine region, Cova da Beira is most recognized for its light-bodied red wines.

What winery provides the best tour and tasting of Cova da Beira wines?

To teach guests about the wine industry, the vine, and wine in addition to providing them with delight, Quinta Dos Termos offers the greatest tours and tastings of Cova da Beira wines.

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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 Cova da Beira