Douro DOC

Douro DOC is a Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) for wines located in the Douro Valley in northern Portugal. The region is known for its rich history of wine production and is one of the oldest established wine regions in the world.

History[edit | edit source]

The Douro wine region was established in 1756 by the Marquis of Pombal, making it one of the oldest regulated wine regions in the world. The region was initially established to regulate the production of Port wine, a fortified wine that has been produced in the region for centuries.

Geography and Climate[edit | edit source]

The Douro Valley is located in the northern part of Portugal, extending from the city of Porto to the eastern border with Spain. The region is characterized by its steep terraced vineyards that line the Douro River. The climate in the Douro Valley is a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.

Grape Varieties[edit | edit source]

The Douro DOC allows for a wide variety of grape varieties to be used in the production of wine. The most common grape varieties used in the region include Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cão.

Wine Production[edit | edit source]

While the Douro Valley is most famous for its production of Port wine, the region also produces a wide variety of still wines, both red and white. The wines produced in the Douro DOC are known for their full-bodied and rich flavors, often with notes of dark fruit, spice, and minerality.