Douro wine

Douro wine is the dry red and white wine of the Douro valley in northern Portugal, the same steep schist region that makes Port. The reds are dark and firm, mostly from Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz. The whites are fresher than you would expect from such a hot valley.

Port from the valley is listed here too. Ask us in Graça for help.

Douro grapes and styles

The valley has three subregions, from west to east: Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo and Douro Superior. The further east, the hotter and drier. Most vines grow on schist, a flaky rock that splits vertically and lets roots dig deep for water. Luís Seabra named a wine after it: Luís Seabra Xisto Ilimitado Red, "unlimited schist".

• Reds: often old field blends, or Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz together. Black fruit, firm tannins, a fresh finish. Try the Conceito Contraste Douro Red, with a little Souzão for colour and bite or the Bajancas Reserva Red.
• Whites: Rabigato, Viosinho, Gouveio and Códega, often from high vineyards that keep the acidity. The 2160 Viosinho Reserva White is pure Viosinho. The Conceito Contraste Douro White adds Arinto for extra freshness.
• Rosé: the Quinta de la Rosa Douro Rosé is our pick for a sunset at the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, 30 metres from the shop.

Looking for the fortified side of the valley? Go to our Port wine page.

How to serve Douro wine

Serve the reds at 16 to 18°C, a little cooler than most people do. Open a reserva an hour ahead. They like roast lamb or kid, grilled steak, chouriço and aged cheese.

Whites go at 10 to 12°C. Too cold and you lose the aroma. Drink them with grilled fish, bacalhau or roast chicken.

Questions we get asked

What is the difference between Douro wine and Port?

Both come from the same demarcated region and often the same grapes. Port is fortified with grape spirit during fermentation, so it is sweet and around 20% alcohol. Douro DOC wine is a dry still wine, like any red or white table wine.

Does the Douro make white wine?

Yes. Douro whites are made from local grapes such as Rabigato, Viosinho, Gouveio and Códega, often grown at altitude where nights are cooler. They are fresh, mineral and good with fish.

How long can I keep a Douro red?

An everyday Douro red is made to drink within three or four years. Reserva and Grande Reserva wines from good producers can age ten years or more if you keep them lying down, somewhere cool and dark.

Can I fly home with wine from Lisbon?

Yes, in your checked luggage. Bottles over 100 ml cannot go through security in a cabin bag. Within the EU you can carry wine for personal use; for other countries, check your customs allowance before you fly.