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A Whirlwind of Modernization The high quality and variety which distinguish the production of wine in Portugal are mainly the result of; noble grapes, micro climates, the characteristics of the land; and the traditional methods used, even though modernism when appropriate can be found everywhere in the country, in the vineyards and in the cellars. Like many industries in Portugal the country's wine industry has undergone a whirlwind modernization since joining the European Union in 1986. Some of the many innovations that have been implemented include stainless steel fermentation tanks and small, new oak barrels. No longer are most wines anonymously labeled, rather the region of production is now stated on every bottle. Estate bottling is also catching on, and vintners throughout the region are selecting only the finest grape varieties. For centuries, Portugal has been recognized for certain regions and wines. Port (or Porto as the Portuguese call it) was demarcated and in the mid-18th century. Madeira was the favorite wine of Colonial America. A few other regions received official appellations at the beginning of this century such as Dão, Bucelas and Moscatel de Setúbal. However, Portugal did very little to promote its wine regions - only in the last decade have they begun to demarcate different wine regions. In 1985 there were 10 demarcated wine regions; now, there are 55.    |
