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Wine Regions

Beira Interior

Beira Interior
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The Beira Interior, located in the centre inland of Portugal, is divided into three sub-regions: Castelo Rodrigo, Pinhel and Cova da Beira. Although these sub-regions are separated by mountain ranges, they share similar characteristics.
Information
This is the most mountainous region in mainland Portugal, comprising some of the highest mountains in the country, among them Serra da Estrela, Marofa and Malcata. The soils are predominantly granite with small patches of schist. The climate has a strong continental influence, with high temperature variations, resulting in short, hot, dry summers and long cold winters, sometimes with snow.
The region has around 16,000 hectares of vineyards and a great grape variety, among them the red grapes of Tinta Roriz, Bastardo, Marufo, Rufete and Touriga Nacional, and the white grapes of Síria, Malvasia Fina, Arinto and Rabo de Ovelha. 
The region has shown a considerable evolution regarding the number of producers, the innovations in the production method, and the quality of its wines, characteristics which allow it to be regarded as a region of excellence within the Portuguese wine scene.
The Beira Interior wines, influenced by the cold winters of the mountain, result in fresh and aromatic white wines and red wines which are also fresh, with an aroma of red fruits and spices. This region also produces rosé and sparkling wines of high quality and complex flavours.
Wine Tourism
Wine Tourism
The diversity of its sub-regions with the contrasts of the mountain, historical villages, archaeological sites, castles and also the monuments, churches and manors which spread over the region maintain the traces left by the several civilizations that passed through, and provide visitors with enriching cultural experiences.
Serra da Estrela gains special importance within the region tourism scene. It is the only place in the national territory where snow sports can be practised, and the vast granite massif, where two of the largest Portuguese rivers spring from, Mondego and Zêzere, hosts one of the most beautiful landscapes in Portugal.
The Beira Interior Wine Route includes the municipalities of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Pinhel, Almeida, Guarda, Celorico da Beira, Sabugal, Covilhã, Fundão, Penamacor, Belmonte and Castelo Branco. Although not all municipalities have wine production, they have something which justifies their integration in the route, being it a monument or a hotel.
Beirã gastronomy favours the delicatessen, roast lamb, trouts, oven cooking, typical in Covilhã, the broom rice, the cottage cheese sweet served with pumpkin jam, all in all dishes which represent the regional gastronomy flavours. Known worldwide, the Portuguese cheese from Serra da Estrela combines the rustic taste of traditions with the refinement of the delight in the taste and should be tasted with a slice of rye bread, served with a good local wine.
  • Portugal By Wine - Wine Tourism in Portugal
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