The Tejo wine region however is the delimited wine region that stretches along the river that flows through Lisbon. The region covers a specific geographical area, with soil, climate and grape variety characteristics very different from the others. Tejo is certainly the oldest wine region in Portugal, with a long history of wine production.

The history of Tejo wine goes back centuries, being one of the oldest wine regions in Portugal. The region is marked by a long tradition in wine production, dating back to Roman times. Once again, because of the age of our country, it was during the Middle Ages that the Tejo region became known for its viticulture. The monks from the Order of the Hospital of São João de Jerusalém contributed greatly to the development of this wine region. It was they who developed the techniques for growing vines and producing the wine we drink in the region today.

Through time, Tejo's wine has gone through several changes and evolutions. In the late 20th century and early 21st century, the region underwent a significant transformation, with the introduction of modern winemaking techniques and investments in precision viticulture. This resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of the wines produced in the region.

In the 19th century, there was a great expansion in wine production here, driven by the growing demand from the domestic market as well as the international market. The Tejo wine region prospered during this period by exporting its wines to England and Brazil among others.

Although Vinho do Tejo and Vinho de Lisboa are distinct wine regions, both are located relatively close to each other in central Portugal. Both regions have a long viticultural tradition and produce a variety of different wine styles between the two. Because each region has its own unique characteristics in terms of soil and microclimate, grape varieties and styles of wine produced, this contributes to the diversity and authenticity of the wines from each region itself.

Today, Tejo wine is recognised for its diversity and quality. This region covers a considerable area along the Tejo River, with varied soils, Mediterranean climate influence and a wide range of grape varieties grown. Some of the most common grapes in the region include Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Fernão Pires, Arinto, Castelão and Alicante and Bouschet

Tejo's wines are elegant, balanced, and full-bodied, with soft tannins, ripe fruit flavours and spicy notes. White wines here are fresh and aromatic, with citrus and floral notes. In addition, the region also produces high-quality rosé wines and sparkling wines that surprise in a good way anyone who tastes them.

In recent years and well deserved, Tejo wine has gained recognition and won awards in national and international competitions, consolidating its position as another outstanding wine region in Portugal.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes