Ribatejo

Second-largest region and wine producer in Portugal. It is located at the centre of the country, between the regions of Estremadura in the west and Alentejo in the east. Most of the vineyards are located in the flooding plains around the Tejo river, and water is drawn from the river for irrigation in winter. The better sites are a little way removed from the river. Other important crops produced include fruit, vegetables and rice. This used to be a region of mass wine production, but since the classification for Vinho Regional (VR), and the DOC classification in 2000 there has been an upswing. The following sub-zones, previously classified as IPR, lie within the region: Almeirim, Cartaxo (part of this is in Estremadura), Chamusca, Coruche, Santarém and Tomar. Under the designation Ribatejana the entire region is also classified as Vinho Regional (VR) for country wines. Indigenous grape varieties predominate, such as Arinto, Camarate (Castelão Nacional), Esgana Cão, Fernão Pires, Jampal, Malvasia Fina (Assario), Malvasia Rei (Palomino), Periquita (Castelão Frances), Rabo de Ovelha, Talia (Ugni Blanc), Tamarez, Tinta Avarela (Trincadeira), Tinta Miúda, Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira das Pratas and Vital. However, Ribatejo is also one of the few regions in Portugal in which large areas are also planted with international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah. Well-known producers include, for example, Bright Brothers (Fiuza & Bright), Falua, Quinta da Alorna, Quinta da Lagoalva, Quinta do Casal Branco and Terra de Lobos.