Beira Interior

Wines from the Beira Region

Beira Interior is an extensive wine region bordering the Douro to the north, the Alentejo to the south, the Dão to the west and the Serra de Salamanca to the east, where today some of the most challenging wines from Spain are produced. Surrounded by such distinct neighbors the conclusion can only be one: the wine from Beira Interior has to be good, despite being little known by the Portuguese.

A little bit of history

Roman Period

Increase in the beginning of the 12th century

In the region currently identified as Terras da Beira the wine was, for centuries, a product of great importance, dating back to the Roman era. But it was in the beginning of the 12th century, by the hands of the Cistercian monks, that the vineyard had a great increase. In this case, as in Távora-Varosa, we must reiterate the affection of the good monks for good wine, which still today has given us so much joy.

What to expect

Agglutination of the regions of Castelo Rodrigo, Cova da Beira and Pinhel

The Denomination of Origin Beira Interior was created on November 2nd, 1999, as a result of the agglutination of the regions of Castelo Rodrigo, Cova da Beira and Pinhel, which have since become sub-regions. It has a viticultural historical past that goes back to the foundation of the Portuguese nationality, is located in the central interior of Portugal, has about 16,000 hectares of vineyards and a great variety of grape varieties. The most important white grape varieties are Síria, Fonte Cal, Malvasia and Arinto, and the red ones are Rufete, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz.

The wines are influenced by the mountain, surrounded by the Estrela, Marofa, and Malcata ranges, and by the altitude with variations between 400 and 700 meters. Most of the soils are of granite origin, the rest being essentially schistose. The region's climate is very harsh, with negative temperatures in winter and very hot and dry summers. This combination of factors results in white wines with great aromatic exuberance and freshness and, in the reds, wines with complex aromas of wild berries and spices, combined with a remarkable freshness.

This region produces white, red, rosé and straw wines, as well as quality natural sparkling wines, thanks to the great variety of grape varieties that have allowed the constant discovery of new aromas and flavors.

In the last few years, there has been a great evolution in this region regarding the increase in the number of producers and the quality of their wines. Beira Interior wants to affirm itself as a region of excellence and quality in the production of wines and occupy its rightful place together with the great Portuguese wine regions.