White wines from Portugal

When I hear "Wines of Portugal", the first thing comes into my mind is Port wines.
Like these beautiful wines from Kopke.

Layers of dried fruit, flower, nut, caramel, chocolate, backed with strong structure.
Rich and smooth texture.

However, Portugal has much more to offer.

The size of Portugal is not big comparing with other wine producing countries like Spain or France, but it has variety of topography from mountains to coast and variation in climatic effect. In fact, Portugal has the largest number of microclimates per square kilometers in the world!
The country receives Atlantic, Mediterranean and continental influences. These, together with aspects, soils and altitude, affect the styles of wine.
Moreover, Portugal had most indigenous grape varieties planted per km² in the world.
This is not a mere sales pitch. The combination of different terroirs and different grape varieties are reflected in the wines.

To catch a glimpse of the reflection, I had a chance to taste four different styles of white wine from Portugal.

Sogrape Azevedo Loureiro - Alvarinho DOC Vinho Verde 2018
Vinho Verde is in the north of Portugal with strong Atlantic influence (very wet), and known for its white wine with crisp acid.
Grapes are Loureiro and Alvarinho.
Refreshing citrus, tropical fruit and white flower with long finish.
The acidity was so bright that it was like jumping into my mouth.

Casa Americo Quinta do Vale DOC Dao 2018
DOC Dao is surrounded by high mountains and protected from cold winds and storms.
Wine is made with Malvasia Fina, Bical, Encruzado.
White flower, peach, citrus, ginger with a hint of flintiness.
Texture is creamy and mouth-coating.

Wine & Soul Guru DOC Douro 2017
Douro is the region known for the famous Port wine, but the quality of table wine has much improved and it has been gaining popularity.
Alyssum, orange, fresh and bitter grapefruit, and subtle sweetness of ripe citrus.
High acid is balanced with ripe fruit and round texture. Aftertaste is pleasant.
This interesting wine, which is my favorite of the day, is a field blend. It means that different varieties planted in a vineyard are vinified together.
Grapes are local Gouveio, Rabigato, Viosinho, Codega do Larinho... all unfamiliar names.
This wine is a great find: such a delicious wine made from obscure (sorry!) grapes.

Esporao Reserva Blanco DOC Alentejo 2017
Grapes are Antao Vaz, Arinto, Roupeiro.
Classic white blend from Alentejo, the region experiences strong continental influence (hot summers and cold winters).
Honeysuckle, ripe tropical fruit with medium acid.
Full-bodied with mouth-coating texture.

These four white wines were so different.
From refreshing and aromatic to rich, full-bodied wine, made with different grapes grown on different terroirs.

Portugal has history of wine making since 2000 BC but there are still many unfamiliar, undiscovered things to explore in their wines, like a treasure box!