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Portugal is best known for its fortified wines Madeira and Port. But there are also some outstanding examples of still wines, mostly from the north of the country where conditions are not as hot. The appellations are classified as D.O.C., Denominacao de Origem Controlada. 
 
Many factors contributed to what has become the modern Portuguese winemaking industry, such as the boom in Port shipping, the effects of the 19th century Phylloxera and oidium crisis and subsequent vine replantings and the rise of estates (quintas), not to mention joining the European Union in 1986.
 
The main still wine producing regions are the Douro, Dao, Bairrada, Vinho Verde, Terras do Sado and Alentejo. Much of the wine is produced with indigenous grape varietials, often with many in the blend, that give it distinct and delicious character. These include for whites: Loureiro, Arinto, Malvasia Fina and Alvarinho. For reds: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Aragones), Baga, Castelao and Trincadeira. Some producers have had luck with foreign varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. 
 
As mentioned earlier, as the still wines of Portugal continue to garner worldwide acclaim, it's Madeira and Port that have made the country famous. These are available in many styles and are some of the rarest, most sought-after wines in the world. For more information, please see the individual pages for Port and Madeira.
 
– Description from Amanda Schuster

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Description 2 of 2

Portugal lies on the western flank of the Iberian peninsula just south of Spanish political region of Galicia. Although Portugal is quite small in comparison to its eastern neighbor, it produces an incredible diversity of under appreciated, high quality wines. From bright, effervescent wines of Vinho Verde to complex, bold fortified wines of Port and Madeira, there is a style to fit every palate. And with 17 different and unique regional wine demarcations, it is worthwhile to not only explore more popular regions such as the Douro and Vinho Verde, but also up and coming regions like the Alentejo, Dao, Bairrada and Extremadura. With over 230 indigenous grapes - of which the red varietal, Touriga Nacional, is most widely recognized - several others have gained considerable traction over the years. Popular red varietals also include: Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesca, Jaen, Alfrocheiro Preto, Periquita and Baga, and for whites: Loureiro and Alvarinho in Vinho Verde, Arinto in Buceles and Fernao Pires in the Ribatejo. And if you\'re in the mood to explore, may be suggest looking into the sweet dessert wines from Setabul made with Moscatel or unctuous fortified white wines made on, and named after, the island of Madeira. – Description from gabriellaopaz

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