Távora-Varosa Wine Region

It was the two rivers, Távora and Varosa, that gave this region its name.
Távora-Varosa was the first demarcated sparkling wine region in Portugal. Its regulations date from November 15, 1989, however, wine production dates back to the 17th century, with the Cistercian monks who lived in the region.
This region is home to the municipalities of Moimenta da Beira, Sernancelhe, Tarouca and also some parishes in the municipalities of Penedono, São João da Pesqueira, Tabuaço, Armamar and Lamego.

Image: Vinhos e Espumantes Távora-Varosa

Types of wines and grape varieties from the Távora-Varosa Wine Region

Sparkling wine: the sparkling wines produced at DOC Távora-Varosa must be produced using the traditional method, with a minimum aging period of nine months in bottle.

Red wine: light ruby color, with a vinous reddish hue. They are light wines with some freshness. In the northernmost parishes of the region, due to their proximity to the Douro region, they acquire a special character, structure and uniqueness, which impress the consumer.

White wine: citrus color, with an intense aroma of citrus fruits. The natural acidity, the intense aroma and the citrus character, bright and fresh, allow to enhance its quality.

The predominant varieties are Bical, Cerceal, Fernão Pires, Gouveio and Malvasia Fina in whites; and Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional in reds.

For sparkling wines, the varieties to be used in the preparation of wines entitled to the Távora Varosa designation of origin are for the reds Alvarelhão, Aragonês, Pinot Tinto, Tinta da Barca, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Francesa and Touriga Nacional; and for whites, Bical, Chardonnay, Cerceal, Dona Branca, Fernão Pires, Folgasão, Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, Malvasia Rei and Pinot Branco.

Image: douro.com.pt

Terroir of the Távora-Varosa Wine Region

In this region, vines are planted in granitic soils, lithic soils and transitional soils. They have good conditions for the creation of generally fresh wines with ideal acidity content for the production of sparkling wines.
In terms of climate, it is continental characterized by hot, dry summers and harsh, wet winters. The maximum temperature in summer can be over 30°C.

Image: Portugal by Wine

Pairing Távora-Varosa wines with food

Sparkling wine is usually associated with celebrations or important moments. However, this wine can also be paired with food. Some dishes that we can use to combine this wine are: oven roasted turkey with white sparkling wine, roast pork with rosé sparkling wine, roasted pork shank with less dry white sparkling wine and fish cooked with vegetables with dry white sparkling wine.

Reds from this region work well with poultry (chicken, turkey and quail), lean fish, pasta and risottos prepared with vegetables and soft cheeses. On the other hand, whites with lighter dishes are the best option.