Colares DOC

DOC area (also Collares) on the Atlantic coast of Portugal north of Lisbon in the Lisboa region. The vineyards between the town of Sintra (the palace was the summer residence of the Portuguese kings) and the Atlantic Ocean are constantly buffeted by Atlantic winds and lie on sandy soil up to three metres deep, which is why the area was spared phylloxera in the 19th century. The climate is characterised by extreme fluctuations with lots of rain and cool temperatures. The predominant red variety, Ramisco, is cultivated ungrafted and has to dig its roots into the deep underlying clay layer. When new vineyards are planted, the thick layer of sand has to be dug away in order to reach the clay.

From the sandiest soil, a dark and tannin-rich red wine is made from at least 80% Ramisco, which is aged for up to three years in wooden barrels. This wine, which is characterised by its longevity, should at best only be opened after 10 to 15 years. The lower quality comes from the firmer soil a little further from the coast, which is mostly sold in barrels for blending purposes. A white variety is produced in small quantities, mainly from the Malvasia de Colares, Arinto, Galego Dourado and Jampal varieties. The best-known producer is Antonio Bernardino Paulo da Silva.