Dou ro Superior Wine Region

The Douro Superior is more than just its vineyards and wine; it is a reflection of its people, their customs, the scenery, and the stories it has to tell. This area is full of culture and tourist attractions. Its farms, trails and wines, pilgrimages and traditions, food, and landscape all create a unique experience that Miguel Torga referred to as a "Wonderful Kingdom".

Mentioning the vineyards of Douro, known as Quintas, is an absolute must whenever the Douro region is discussed. A visit to a winery gives you more than just a chance to taste different labels- it can also be an opportunity to explore various activities related to the world of wine. From engaging in wine-based spa treatments and taking balloon flights to picnics in the vineyards and beyond, there's much more that awaits you.

We encourage you to explore the exemplary wines that make Duoro Superior a favorite for wine drinkers worldwide. Browse our site to discover what Wineries in Duoro Superior have to offer and start planning for your holiday today. Find out more about Wine Tasting and Tours in Duoro Superior.

This region is a sub-region of Porto & Douro. More information and facts about this sub-region will be added shortly.

Unique terroir of Douro Superior appellation

Terraced hills of Douro Superior

For centuries, people have worked hard manually to cultivate the sloping shale hills of Douro Superior for vineyards. This arduous task involved breaking the terrain by hand. The Douro region stands out due to its stark scenery of the Marão and Montemuro mountains, sheltering it from Atlantic winds while simultaneously allowing it to absorb Mediterranean and continental influences. The Douro River and its tributaries create a breathtaking landscape of wild and enigmatic beauty, influenced by extreme fluctuations in temperature from scorching summers to freezing winters. Its deep valleys make it an incredible sight to behold.

Exploring Douro Superior's unique climate

The climate of Douro Superior region is known to be particularly hot in the summer months, with temperatures rising significantly, and also tends to be very cold in the wintertime, with areas close to rivers. In addition, there is often a large amount of humidity throughout the year due to its proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. 

Spring and autumn in this region are short-lived, with winter lasting for most of the year. The summer months, on the other hand, are stiflingly hot and parched. 

Remarkably, the meandering of the river and the height alterations in the mountains form different microclimates. Moreover, aspects like slope steepness and depth of valleys also contribute to this effect.

Soil of Douro Superior

Soils of Douro Superior wine region: slate and granite, well retaining the heat accumulated during the day, which creates excellent conditions for the ripening of grapes.

History of Douro Superior wine region

In 1756, the Douro region of Portugal was one of the first to be established as a legally recognized wine region. This was largely due to The Marquês de Pombal's decree, which prevented British importers from sourcing wines from other regions and labeling them as Douro. The Douro Superior region has been kept hidden for a long time as it wasn't officially a part of the Douro until 1907. Beyond that, its legacy dates back to before then.

Deep in the Douro Superior region, one can find the remarkable UNESCO-listed wall paintings of Vila Nova de Foz Côa city. First discovered in the 1990s, but believed to be created as far back as 20,000 BCE, they are some of the oldest wall art pieces across the globe. 

Ever since the 1990s, Douro Superior wines have gone through a massive transformation in terms of both quantity and quality.

What to expect from Douro Superior Wine?

Most of the Douro Superior wines are typically a blend of grapes, with the main varieties being Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Barroca and Sousão. The first two grapes are particularly important in this blend as they help to retain acidity and also contribute to creating intense notes of ripe black fruits. These wines offer complex layers of flavor that make them a great choice for special occasions or as a gift.

Douro Superior wine styles:

Young red wines have a distinct aroma of summer fruits like strawberries and raspberries. This is complemented with floral undertones. They are medium-bodied, with a good balance of tannins, and ought to be consumed while they're still young as they don't age well or provide the potential for long-term aging.

Delicate yet full-bodied red wines for long-term aging feature intense aromas of violet and balsamic notes, wild berries (blackberry, gooseberry, blueberry), and chocolate. Owing to their excellent structure and lengthy tannins, these wines can easily be cellared for at least 12 years before they reach their peak.

White wines that are young have a refreshing taste with a hint of floral and citrus aroma. They are best enjoyed when consumed at an early age.

When it comes to storing white wines, complex flavors with a blend of toast and tropical fruits are what you should look for. Usually these wines are bottled after being fermented in wooden barrels and do not contain additional elements. Depending on the type, they can be kept for several years before consuming.

Rose wines have an unmistakable, light aroma of raspberries, cherries and lollipops. Every sip of this delightful beverage gives you a combination of sweetness, acidity and subtle yet noticeable flavors. The perfect balance between these makes it a favorite for many wine lovers.

Food to pair with Douro Superior wine

Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá

The classic Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá is a staple of Portuguese gastronomy. Portuguese cuisine is renowned for its delicate flavor combinations, and this dish is an ideal way to experience them easily. Best of all, it's incredibly simple to make!

Portugal's traditional Christmas Eve dish, Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, is made using salted codfish, potatoes, and onions. These core components are placed in an oven dish, topped with boiled egg slices, cooked and then decorated with olives and parsley.

Arroz de Polvo

Arroz de polvo is a tasty Portuguese delicacy which consists of cooked octopus and rice combined with tomatoes, sautéed onions, garlic, and various aromatic herbs. It is extremely versatile and can be served as a main dish or side. The malandrinho style of cooking is often used when making this particular dish, which results in a thick and creamy-like consistency. Rice is the main ingredient and it's cooked to perfection with the liquid not being fully absorbed. Essentially, it appears more like a stew rather than a dish.

Arroz de polvo is a comforting dish that typically comes to mind during colder times. A popular way to serve it is with parsley or cilantro to add some freshness and flavor. This makes for an enjoyable, sustaining meal as the main course paired with Douro Superior white wines.

Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato

Bulhão Pato clams are a delicious Portuguese delicacy. This classic dish is prepared with zesty and flavorful olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and cilantro sauce. It's the perfect starter for any lunch or dinner, and it tastes even better when served with some crusty bread.

Places to visit in Douro Superior

Incredible historic Douro train tour

The Historic Douro Train is an incredible experience that should not be overlooked if you have the chance to visit the stunning Douro Superior wine region from June to October. This remarkable steam engine, fuelled by coal, was originally constructed back in 1915 and still provides passengers with a truly unique and unforgettable journey. If you're looking for an unforgettable experience, why not take a tour of Portugal's renowned vineyards? It's the perfect way to gain a glimpse into the country's rich history. Every Saturday, embark on a journey back in time and explore the Douro river - with its picturesque views and abundant vineyards - in all its beauty.

Discovering Douro Region through its rich art and culture

Located in the stunning Douro Valley, the area offers a plethora of attractions beyond just taking a wine tour. With over 41 museums to explore, travelers can take in the breathtaking sights while also receiving discounted access to each museum through the local network's passport. As of 2020, this passport is available for anyone looking to make the most out of their visit and explore all that Douro has to offer. The Douro Museum in Peso da Régua is one of the most remarkable places to visit in the region, offering a deep dive into the rich and fascinating history of the Douro Valley. With fascinating exhibits ranging from geology to local folklore, this museum provides invaluable insight into the culture and heritage of this unique area. 

As part of the vast cultural network, the Miguel Torga Museum, the Silk and Territory Museum, the Calçada de Alpajares and the Real Memory Museum are also worth a visit. In addition, adventurers should not miss out on visiting the Côa Valley Archaeological Park - a remarkable open-air museum situated in the Upper Douro region which is renowned for being one of the largest open-air museums in the world.

Exploring Portugal’s prehistoric art and culture: Visiting the Vila Nova de Foz Côa Archaeological Park

The Vila Nova de Foz Côa Archaeological Park in Portugal is a unique and fascinating archaeological site. Located in the Douro Valley, it is home to some of the world’s oldest and most remarkable prehistoric rock art. The park is also home to a variety of archaeological excavations and museum exhibits, making it an ideal destination for those interested in exploring the ancient history and culture of Portugal. What Activities Can You Do at Vila Nova de Foz Côa?

1. River Rafting: Take a thrilling ride down the rapids of the Foz Côa River.

2. Hiking: Explore the stunning scenery of the Foz Côa Valley with a guided hiking tour.

3. Birdwatching: Spot rare birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

4. Rock Art Sightseeing: Visit some of the region’s ancient rock art sites and learn about their cultural significance.

5. Wine Tasting: Sample some of Portugal’s finest wines at local vineyards.

Frequently Asked Questions