Redondo Wine Region Guide

The Redondo wine region lies in the heart of the Alentejo region and is one of eight appellations under Alentejo DOC. The landscape surrounding Redondo includes distinct yet huge cork tree forests and vineyards. The region has become an important economic driver of Portugal due to its Cork production, Pottery, and Red wines. Before gaining its DOC status in 2003, the Redondo region was an IPR region. Redondo is full of humble and friendly people, rich in tradition and cultural heritage. Like so many others in the region. Similar to so many others in the Alentejo. Old dolmens, boundless meadows blanketed in wildflowers, and typical Alentejo cork tree woods may all be found in Redondo.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Redondo!

Where is the Redondo wine region?

Located in the center of the Alentejo wine region, the Redondo region is surrounded by the vast Alentejo plains and the breathtaking Serra D'Ossa. One can see the peculiar cork tree woods and large wineries in its landscapes. The northeastern, western, and southeast boundaries of the area are shared with the subregions of Borba, Evora, and Reguengos. The region is primarily recognized for its delicious red wines. The fine red wines, pottery, and Alentejo corks that come from this distinctive and picturesque wine-growing region are its main draws.

History of the Redondo wine region

Redondo has become a major intersection and a nearly required stop for tourists who want to take in the region's rich historical, cultural, and architectural history. The region was linked to the “Penedo Redondo”, referring to a round rock that existed on the medieval wall surrounding the town. An important megalithic cluster, containing the dolmens Anta da Vidigueira, Anta da Candeeira, and Anta de Colmeeiro, is located in the Redondo municipality. The Redondo village was conquered by King Alfonso II in 1250 and started the construction of castles over the remains of Roman fortresses. Beginning in the 1500s, the Count of Redondo, Lord Vasco Countinho, oversaw the town. Although viticulture in the region started way back in the 10th century, there was a huge development in the industry during the 19th century.

The terroir and geography of the Redondo wine region

As one of the Portuguese districts that produce premium wines, Redondo is very widely renowned for its wine production. Granite and schist soils, which make up the majority of the region, produce wines with a well-balanced flavor and appealing aroma. The region is also noted for being the primary source of all Alentejo corks, with cork trees planted across the countryside. Redondo has a gently sloping topography that shields much of the country from the cooling impacts of the Atlantic. Because ripeness is easy to reach in these conditions, the terrain lends itself to the development of rich, easy-drinking red wines.

Popular grape varieties from the Redondo wine region

Wine enthusiasts adore the wines produced in Redondo because they are of unquestionable quality and made from the greatest local grape varietals. The main grapes of the Redondo region include Aragonez, Fernao Pires, Manteudo, Moreto, Periquita, Rabo de Ovelha, Roupeiro, Tamarez, and Trincadeira. A fine meal of the amazing Mediterranean is perfect along with the wines from Redondo. But that isn't all. The meal is served in earthenware made in this village where potters are as important as winemakers.

Food to pair with Redondo wine 

The Redondo wines are extremely versatile when it comes to food pairing. 

Yakiniku

The Japanese word for "bite-sized grilled meat" is yakiniku. This dish is closely related to western barbecue, and it was promoted in 1872 by Japanese writer Kanagaki Robun in his Seiyo Ryoritsu - a Meiji period western food guidebook. The term became associated with Korean barbecue during the early Shwa era.

Before grilling, meat and vegetables are thinly sliced. The most common meats for Yakiniku are beef, hog, chicken, and a variety of seafood. A variety of sauces and dips are typically served on the side, ranging from soy sauce and miso sauce to garlic oil sauce.

Roasted Lamb

Lamb is a versatile meat that can be enjoyed as a special treat throughout the year. Many flavors complement to lamb, so experiment with various herbs, spices, and seasonings to enhance the flavor of your choice.

Redondo red wines complement roasted lamb dishes such as rack of lamb, leg of lamb, or lamb cutlets.

Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken is a popular dish all over the world. The main ingredients are, as the name suggests, lemon and chicken. Lemon chicken, also known as Ling moong gai, is a traditional Chinese chicken dish. Chicken, soy sauce, lemon juice and zest, sesame oil, ginger, cornflour, scallions, and sugar are typical ingredients. In a wok, cook the chicken on both sides before combining it with ginger and lemon juice. When the liquid begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook until the chicken is tender. This Asian dish pairs well with the Redondo wines.

Places to visit in the Redondo wine region

Serra de Ossa

Serra de Ossa is a peak in mainland Portugal that rises 653 meters above sea level. Located in Alto Alentejo, this beautiful landscape lies between Estremoz and Redondo. The area boasts a convent of hermits dedicated to So Paulo since 1182 which was partially burned down in 2006. It serves as the administrative center for several Alentejo municipalities; Borba, Estremoz, and Vila Viçosa. You can explore artificial caves around the area which were believed to be a thousand years old and were used as shelter by the hermit monks. 

Castle of Redondo

The Castle of Redondo is a medieval castle in the Evora district, in the Portuguese municipality of Redondo, the civil parish of Redondo. The castle was built on ruins of Roman fortresses during mid 13th century after King Alfonso III conquered the town of Redondo in 1250. The castle underwent reconstruction in 1312 under the rule of King D. Dinis. The Redondo Castle is located on the southern flank of the Serra de Ossa, near the Igreja da Misericórdia do Redondo and the Pelourinho de Redondo. Explore this magnificent castle while you are on the tour to Redondo. 

Frequently asked questions about Redondo