VR Lisboa

Wine-growing region in the centre-west of Portugal. The name Extremadura, which was used until 2008, was therefore changed to avoid confusion with the Spanish region of Extremadura. The vineyards cover 30,000 hectares of vines, stretching northwards from Lisbon along the Atlantic coast to the city of Leiria. Lisboa is also the name of the IGP area (regional wines) that covers the entire region. The climate is strongly influenced by the nearby, cool Atlantic Ocean and is characterised by relatively mild winters and warm, but not excessively hot summers. The sea air coming in from the west brings sufficient rainfall so that no artificial irrigation is necessary. The medium-heavy soils are often clayey with varying amounts of limestone. There are nine DOC areas here:

• Alenquer
• Arruda
• Bucelas
• Carcavelos
• Colares
• Lourinhã
• Óbidos
• Torres Vedras

Many wines were already being produced here for export in the 19th century. Large quantities of bulk wine were also exported to France, for example to add colour and extract to the wines in Bordeaux. However, the majority was produced as simple draught wine for domestic consumption. Even today, cask wine is still largely marketed by huge co-operative wineries. Due to the proximity to the sea with the balanced climate and cool nights in autumn, there are good conditions for white wines, which make up a large proportion. In addition to many indigenous grape varieties, international varieties such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are also cultivated.