📍 Basto
An inland mountain subzone.
Basto is the most inland of the nine Vinho Verde sub-regions, in northern Portugal. The Tâmega river and the surrounding mountains shape gentle slopes with good sun exposure, and the dominant soils are granite and clay schist. It spreads over four municipalities: Cabeceiras de Basto, Celorico de Basto, Mondim de Basto and Ribeira de Pena.
Its vines have an unusual history. In the 16th century maize farming pushed growers to train vines up trees and hedges, and some such vines survive. Azal and Arinto are the main grapes.
Producers include Quinta da Raza, Quinta de Santa Cristina, Turra Wines and Chão do Rio. Basto is a protected designation of origin (PDO).
How it connects to Wine
📍 Basto ← grows in ← 🍇 Arinto → kind of → 🍇 Grape varieties → kind of → 🍷 Wine
Links
- Part of
- 📍 Vinho Verde
- Grapes
- 🍇 Azal, 🍇 Arinto
Frequently asked questions
Why were vines trained up trees in Basto?
Maize farming in the 16th century left little room, so growers trained vines up trees and hedges.
Which river shapes Basto?
The Tâmega, with the surrounding mountains.
Which producers are in Basto?
Quinta da Raza, Quinta de Santa Cristina, Turra Wines and Chão do Rio.
Similar
📍 Cávado · 📍 Ave · 📍 Sousa · 📍 Paiva · 📍 Amarante · 📍 Monção e Melgaço
Sources
- IVV – Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho
- eAmbrosia – EU geographical indications register
- Wine Tourism - Basto