Cima Corgo Wine Region

One of the most well-known wine-producing regions in the world is Portugal, and it is called Cima Corgo. The Douro River, one of Portugal's longest rivers, shares its border with it. Since ancient times, the area has been renowned for producing some of the best wines. Even today, it remains one of Portugal's most well-known wine producers, producing high-quality wine varieties. The eastern half of this area is traversed by the Douro River, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cima Corgo, in the heart of the Douro valley, is home to the majority of the best quintas that produce port. The ideal upland wine-growing region, its central valley location offers a climate that's reasonably balanced.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours at Cima Corgo

Where is the Cima Corgo wine appellation?

The major area of "Cima Corgo," also known as the "upper Corgo," is located north and south of the Douro between Baixa Corgo in the west and Cacho da Valeira in the east. It is the Douro wine region's center. The majority of the large port houses have their quintas (wineries) in what is thought to be the best part of the region, which is centered around the town of Pinhao.

History of the Cima Corgo wine appellation

Located in the Douro DOC, Cima Corgo is a wine appellation and is regarded as one of the world's "great wines." As one of the largest and oldest wine regions in the Douro, the appellation has a lengthy history in viticulture. Although grape seeds have also been discovered at older archaeological sites, there is archeological evidence for winemaking in the area dating from the third and fourth centuries AD, at the end of the Western Roman Empire.

Ideal Terroir of the Cima Corgo wine appellation

The ideal upland wine-growing region, its central valley location offers a climate that's fairly balanced. Although the summers here in the valley are just as hot as they are elsewhere, there is at least some compensation in the form of sufficient rainfall for grape cultivation. The vineyards enjoy a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers since they are positioned at the ideal altitude. Since the soil is primarily composed of limestone, it has an alkaline flavor that benefits premium wines.

Grapes Varietals of Cima Corgo wine appellation

The largest subregion, Cima Corgo ("above Corgo"), which is focused on the village of Pinho and has 19,000 hectares (47,000 acres) of vineyards, is where the majority of the renowned Quintas are situated. Only indigenous grape varieties, such as the most well-known red and white grapes, Arinto and Anto Vaz, as well as the most well-known red varietals, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz, are used in the production of Cima Corgo wines. There are also many other varieties, including Onzelinho branco, Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, Rabigato, and Viosinho at Cima Corgo.

Wines from the Cima Corgo wine appellation

The region does not offer a continuous terroir, but it does have distinctive wine varieties that are produced there. Portuguese native and foreign varieties combine to create wines from this region. The grapes that are harvested here result in wines that are smooth, well-structured, and frequently have an evocatively rustic, earthy flavor. Some of the best wineries producing the best Cima Corgo include Quinta Do Tedo, Quinta Do Panascal, Quanta Terra | Destilaria No 7, Quinta S Luiz - Kopke, Quinta Do Portal, and Quinta de Cottas.

Cima Corgo wine appellation and food pairing 

The oldest wine region in the world, Cima Corgo, is known for its distinctive port wine as well as several other internationally recognized wines.

Bacalhau

Cod is without a doubt the fish that is most often consumed in Portugal, and it is stated that there are 365 different methods to prepare it there one for each day of the year. In Portugal, salted cod is known as "bacalhau" and is available in many different forms. A medium-bodied red wine goes well with the dish, but the naturally higher acidity in white varietals goes well with its inherent saltiness.

Wild Boar Stew

This dish is typical of the north of the country, especially the Douro Valley, and it is incredibly delicious. These dry wines, both red and white from Cima Corga, are some of Portugal's best and boldest, with rich, intense flavors and robust tannins; they are the ideal complement for such a beefy dish.

Bolo Rei

This wonderful Portuguese treat, which is known as "King Cake," is commonly consumed during the Christmas season and is actually formed like a crown. Dried fruit and nuts are mixed into a soft, sweet dough, which is cooked until it becomes crunchy. Bolo Rei is a sweet, crunchy treat, so you want to pair it with a beverage that enhances the fruity flavor without dominating the food itself, like a rich dessert wine.

Interesting Places to Visit in the Cima Corgo wine appellation

Pinhão Railway Station

Anyone traveling to the Douro region must stop by the 19th-century Pinho Railway Station, located on the Douro line. The station was given the tile panels that earned it its popularity and made it the most attractive railroad station along the Douro in 1937. The station got the tile panels in 1937, which made it famous and made it the most beautiful railway station along the Douro. Enjoy this journey into the past depicted in tile panels, where you can see various elements that have already vanished from the Douro Vinhateiro.

Quinta Do Portal

In Portugal's Douro Valley Demarcated Region, the Quinta do Portal winery and estate are located. This area spans 250,000 hectares along the Douro River valley, which extends over 927 kilometers before meeting the Atlantic Ocean near Porto. Extremely chilly winters and scorching, arid summers are the region's defining features. A typical local Portuguese boutique winery, Quinta do Portal is a family-run winery and estate.

Quinta de Cottas

The Alijó Valley is home to Quinta de Cottas, a property with outstanding conditions for the production of Douro and Port wines. In order to create wines of remarkable quality and personality that convey their unique terroir and are always authentic in whatever they do, the Quinta de Cottas winery immersed itself in the essence of the main Douro grape varietals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cima Corgo wine appellation