Moura Wine Region

Moura is one of eight subregions of the Alentejo wine region located in the municipality of Moura in the district of Beja in Northern Portugal. The Moura wine region is recognized as DOC in 2003, before that, the region was a separate IPR region. This wine-growing area is often called the Alentejo-Moura region. The region is known for its dry climate and poor-performing soil that consists of clay and limestone with good water retention properties. The Moura wines predominantly produce red wines with a smooth finish reflecting the typical terroir of the region. The region is one of the important wine regions in the district of Beja when it comes to quality and quantity. The Moura DOC is the third largest wine producer just behind Vidigueira and Serpa.  

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Moura!

Where is the Moura wine region?

The Moura wine region is largely in the northern regions of the municipality of Moura, in the southeast part of the Alentejo wine region. The region is bounded to the east by Barrancos, to the southeast by Serpa, and to the east and south by Spanish territory. To the west of the Moura, wine area is the municipalities of Vidigueira, Portal, and Reguengos de Monsaraz. DOC red wines account for around 75% of the region's total wine production. The region, along with Vidigueira and Serpa, accounts for 97% of total Vinjo DOC wine production in the Beja district.

History of the Moura wine region

Apart from producing fine wines, the Moura wine region is also known for producing high-quality olive oil. In fact, the Moura region is the first and largest producer of olive oil in Alentejo and Portugal. Like many European wine regions, the introduction of winemaking in the Moura region goes back to Roman times during the Roman empire expansion. Viticulture and winemaking became a part of the tradition and culture of the inhabitants as wines were the most sought commodity in the Roman empire. The growing wine business came to a stop during the 19th century due to phylloxera infestation which took serious dedication and time for recovery. The winegrowers started the grafting process using resistant rootstocks to grow the grapes. 

The terroir and geography of the Moura wine region

The region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. The region is one of the driest areas in Portugal with approximately 400mm of rainfall around the year. The vineyards are present mostly in the cool and red clay-based soils as the region is quite dry. The soil and warm climate of the region extend the ripening period of grapes which makes the grapes unique adding finesse to the wines. 

Popular grape varieties from the Moura wine region

Most favored grape varieties in the Moura wine region include Antao Vaz, Fernao Pires, Moreto, Periquita, Rabo de Ovelha, Rouperio, and Trincadeira. The red wines have a lovely cherry red color and a nice aromatic intensity. When young, the wines have red fruity flavors that are gentle on the palate. The tannins are smooth and just enough for a sophisticated palate. These wines are adaptable and pair nicely with salads and light fish and shellfish meals.

Food to pair with Moura wine 

Ensopado de borrego

Ensopado de Borrego is an old-fashioned lamb stew from the Alentejo region that is pure comfort food. This tasty and straightforward Portuguese lamb stew has its origins in Alentejo culture and traditions. The dish's major ingredient is lean lamb meat sliced into bite-size cubes. To make this tasty stew, brown the meat with cider vinegar, potatoes, white stocks, fat, flour, and spices. Seasoned with salt, pepper, cloves, bay leaves, parsley, coriander, onions, and garlic, the meal is cooked until the meat is soft. Atop a huge serving tray, Ensopado de Borrego is served on toasted stale bread. The dish is frequently served with a fresh salad on the side. The dish complements the diverse Moura wines.

Leitão da bairrada

Leito da bairrada, a roasted sucking pig dish, originates in Portugal's Bairrada region and is considered the pinnacle of Portuguese cuisine. The young piglet, which is between 20 and 30 days old, is massaged with lard, coarse salt, pepper, and garlic. The piglet is skewered on a pole and slowly cooked in the oven or on firewood. The meal was popular among the Romans since pigs were plentiful and many people farmed them. Grill the piglet until the skin is crispy and the meat is soft. Fritters, orange slices, and fresh salad are served alongside the Leito da bairrada.

Bitoque

Bitoque is a traditional Portuguese steak drizzled with a unique butter sauce and topped with a fried sunny-side-up egg. The meal is produced using lean steak pieces grilled at a medium to high temperature, preferably beef or lamb. The steak is frequently served with fried eggs, french fries, rice, sautéed veggies, and salad. Overnight, the steak is marinated in paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, starch, red wine, salted butter, and cilantro. Before placing the steak in the refrigerator, pound it with a meat mallet to tenderize it. The steak is cooked on all sides in a large heat-retaining skillet. The skillet is deglazed before preparing the trademark butter sauce, which includes red wine and garlic. This flavorful meal is available in traditional restaurants in Portugal. 

Places to visit in the Moura wine region

Castle of Moura

This medieval castle of Moura was built as a citadel during the 11th century by a Moorish king which was later rebuilt by King Dinis in the 13th century. The castle was demolished during the Spanish war of succession under the Duke of Osuna with just the ruins remaining. The ruins of the castle of Moura are located on the elevated plateau on the northern edge of town, in the municipality of Moura in the district of Beja. Currently, the ruins of the castle are just a landscaped garden housing a military museum and an archaeological museum. Visit this historical place while you are in the Moura wine region for wine tasting. 

Alqueva Dam

The Alqueva Dam is Europe's largest man-made water reservoir, surrounded by stunning scenery. This arch dam is the showpiece of the Portuguese government-backed Alqueva Multipurpose Project. The dam is located in Alentejo on the Guadiana River, one of the longest rivers in the Iberian peninsula. The primary purpose of this massive project is to facilitate irrigation and generate electricity. When at Alqueva, enjoy boat excursions, mountain riding, water sports, hiking, hunting, fishing, and bird watching.

Frequently asked questions about Moura