The grape variety is a vine variety with certain particular characteristics (type of foliage, format of bunch, grape taste and aroma, etc.).

A variety reacts differently depending on where it is planted, influenced by all the characteristics of the soil and the climate (the terroir), leading to differences in the final product: the wine. This is why many native grape varieties have the highest potential in the Douro region.

Throughout the Douro Demarcated Region 209 million vine plants are planted, with around registered 150 varieties, and many of them don’t exist anywhere else in the world. The varieties cultivated in the Douro region have a secular history, since some come from the time of the Cistercian Order (Middle Ages).

The most common and considered the best for Port Wine and Douro DOC wines are:

Red wines: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Trincadeira and Souzão.

White wines: Malvasia Fina, Gouveio, Rabigato, Viosinho.

For the production of Muscatel (fortified wine), the Moscatel Galego variety is used.

We invite you to get to know some of these grape varieties in their stunning natural territory through the best douro wine producers.