Tejo V.R. wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

Vinho Regional

Tejo V.R. is a vinho regional (regional wine) designation in central Portugal, its vineyards spread on both banks of the Tagus river, bordering the Alentejo region. It covers about 12,000 hectares across four distinct terroirs: Campo, a fertile alluvial plain along the river suited to white wines; Bairro, with clay-limestone soils better suited to red varieties; Charneca, with sandy soils suited to both colours; and Serras, at higher altitude, with poor, stony schist soils. The climate, moderated by the proximity of the Tagus, averages around 2,800 hours of sunshine and about 750 millimetres of rainfall a year. The designation permits a wide range of grape varieties, combining Portuguese varieties such as fernão pires, arinto, castelão, trincadeira and aragonês with international varieties such as chardonnay, sauvignon, cabernet sauvignon, syrah and pinot noir. Nearly all of the region's certified production falls under this regional wine level, while the stricter DoTejo designation accounts for only a small share of volumes.

The wines of this appellation

Tejo V.R. produces white, red, rosé and sparkling wines. The whites, made mainly from fernão pires and arinto, show a citrine colour and a fine, fruity nose marked by tropical fruit and peach, sometimes lifted by floral notes; they are lively and fresh on the palate. The reds, based notably on castelão, trincadeira and aragonês and increasingly blended with international varieties, are complex and elegant, with a supple structure that makes them enjoyable young. The rosés, ranging in colour from pink to bright salmon, offer aromas of red fruit mingled with floral notes, balanced acidity and some length on the palate. The region also produces sparkling wines, from bottle-fermented sparkling styles to the lighter, semi-sparkling frisante. Whites and rosés pair well with fish, seafood and light dishes, while the reds suit grilled meats and traditional Portuguese cuisine.