The History of Portuguese Wine

The history of Portuguese wine is as rich and varied as the landscapes of this Iberian nation itself. Rooted deeply in its past, the story of wine in Portugal is a tale of trade, innovation, and distinctiveness.

Ancient Beginnings

The Iberian Peninsula, which houses both Spain and Portugal, has been a significant viticulture centre since ancient times. The Phoenicians, often hailed as the pioneers of the Mediterranean trade, likely introduced viticulture to Portugal around 2000 BC. However, it was the Romans, after their conquest in the 2nd century BC, who accelerated the wine industry’s development, drawn by the region’s favourable climate and diverse soils.

Medieval Monasteries and Christian Influence

Following the decline of the Roman Empire, the Christian monasteries maintained vineyards and winemaking practices, especially during the reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors. By the 12th century, Portugal had regained most of its territories, and viticulture, driven by the Church, flourished.

The Age of Exploration

The 15th and 16th centuries marked Portugal’s Age of Exploration. Portuguese navigators discovered new trade routes, connecting Europe to Asia and the Americas. These routes boosted Portugal’s economy, and with it, its wine industry. The demand for Portuguese wines, especially the fortified ones capable of surviving long sea voyages, surged.

Trade with England and the Birth of Port Wine

One of the most significant events in Portuguese wine history is its evolving trade relationship with England, especially during the 17th and 18th centuries. Political disputes between England and France led the English to seek alternative wine sources, turning to Portugal. This resulted in the 1703 Methuen Treaty, which lowered duties on Portuguese wines entering England.

It was during this period that Port wine, from the Douro Valley, began its ascent to fame. The English preference for fortified wines led to the creation of this unique style, where grape spirit was added during fermentation. This not only increased its alcohol content but also gave Port its characteristic sweet profile.

The Douro Wine Company

To regulate and ensure the quality of Port wine, the Portuguese government established the Companhia Geral da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro, or the Douro Wine Company, in 1756. It delineated the region, making the Douro Valley one of the world’s first demarcated wine regions.

19th Century Challenges

The 19th century brought challenges. The phylloxera epidemic, a pest that devastated many European vineyards, hit Portugal hard. Fortunately, the solution came in the form of grafting native vines onto phylloxera-resistant American rootstocks. However, this calamity was a turning point; it forced Portugal to diversify its vineyard plantings and innovate its vinicultural practices.

20th Century to Present: Revitalisation and Diversification

Portugal’s accession to the European Union in 1986 played a pivotal role in modernizing its wine industry. Investments in technology, research, and education drove a renaissance. Portugal began to gain recognition not only for its Port and Madeira wines but also for its diverse range of high-quality table wines.

Regions such as Vinho Verde, Dão, Bairrada, and Alentejo began to receive international accolades. Indigenous grape varieties like Touriga Nacional, Alvarinho, and Arinto showcased the country’s rich vinicultural heritage.

Today, Portugal stands as a beacon of unique, authentic wines. With over 250 indigenous grape varieties and a gamut of different wine-producing regions, it offers a richness and diversity that few other countries can match. The history of Portuguese wine is a journey of resilience, adaptation, and an enduring passion for viticulture.

In summary, the history of Portuguese wine mirrors the nation’s broader narrative – a tale of conquests, discoveries, challenges, and triumphs. From ancient introductions by Phoenicians and Romans to the establishment of iconic wine styles like Port, Portugal has carved a niche for itself in the global wine tapestry. Today, it celebrates its past while looking forward to an even brighter vinous future.