We all love celebrating Mexico on Cinco de Mayo, but this year why not celebrate even more of our global heritage with Dia de Portugal on (June 10th)? Portugal Day, which commemorates the death of the iconic nationalist and poet Luís Vaz de Camões in 1580, is a great way to honor the country's rich culture, cuisine, and centuries-old tradition of exceptional winemaking.
You may have tried some of the vibrant wines of Portugal, but you may not know the extent of Portugal's impressive viticultural legacy. From the light and drinkable wines of the Vinho Verde to the robust reds of the Bairrada, Portuguese wines are sure to surprise even the most discerning wine drinker. In honor of Dia de Portugal, here are five things you may not know about Portuguese wines, courtesy of ViniPortugal:
1.Despite its small size, Portugal is among the 10 largest wine-producing countries in the world
2.In 1756, the Douro Valley was the world’s first official demarcated wine region
3.For centuries, sons have followed fathers into the family wine business, but today 60 per cent of students graduating in oenology from Vila Real University are women. Like their male colleagues, they are passionate about modern winemaking, yet also deeply rooted in their tradition and cultural heritage.
4.Portugal has well over 200 indigenous grapes, only a few of which have traveled anywhere else in the world. This huge variety of grapes was introduced to Portugal during a long and exciting history of wine-making, beginning in the Bronze Age and reflecting influences from the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, Germans, French and Spanish.
5.Portugal has two wine producing regions protected by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites: the Douro Valley Wine Region (Douro Vinhateiro) and Pico Island Wine Region (Ilha do Pico Vinhateira).
This year, throw the most unique party on the block by celebrating the culture and enjoying the wines of Portugal!